MEN'S HEALTH
Diabetes: When sugar stops behaving itself
How Type 2 diabetes develops
A simple way to think about it is that insulin works like a key. Its job is to help sugar move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. As weight, waist size, inactivity and poor sleep build up over time, those cells can become less responsive. The body then needs more insulin to do the same job.
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For a while, the pancreas can keep up by producing extra insulin. Over time, it may start to struggle. Blood sugar stays higher for longer, and Type 2 diabetes develops.
Why men are particularly at risk
How the body stores fat plays a part in how Type 2 diabetes develops. Men are more likely to carry weight around the middle, including visceral fat, the deeper fat stored around the organs in the abdomen. This type of fat is more active in the body and has a stronger effect on how the body responds to insulin. As time passes, it can make it harder for insulin to do its job properly, leading to rising blood sugar levels.
Men are also more likely to develop these changes at a lower weight than women. There is less capacity to store fat safely before it begins to affect how the body works. Alongside this, everyday patterns such as long periods of sitting, irregular meals, alcohol and ongoing stress can all add to the load on the body.
Early signs
Not everyone has clear symptoms, but some changes that come up include:
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feeling more tired than usual for no clear reason
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feeling more thirsty and needing to pass urine more often, especially at night
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repeated thrush or slower healing of cuts and infections
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blurred vision that comes and goes
These changes do not always point to diabetes, but they can be part of the picture.
Less obvious changes in men
Some changes are less widely recognised but can still be linked to diabetes in men.
Erectile dysfunction is common and can be linked to changes in blood flow and nerve function. Low testosterone can also be part of the picture, which may affect energy levels and muscle mass.
Nerve changes can affect bladder function, leading to urgency or more frequent urination. In some cases, ejaculation may be affected.
Changes in the skin can also appear. Darkened, thickened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) are sometimes seen around the neck, armpits or groin. Skin tags in these areas can also be linked to insulin resistance.
Support and further information
Support is available across the UK for people at risk of Type 2 diabetes. This is usually based on blood test results that show higher than expected blood sugar levels. Access and pathways can vary depending on where you live.
Your GP practice can explain what support is available locally and how to access it.
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Diabetes UK provides a dedicated helpline, advocacy services and a wide range of information for people with diabetes and those at risk. They also run local groups and online communities.
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