Diabetes is a serious disease that can have a lot of negative consequences for the person who has it. In fact, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. But there are three types of diabetes, one of which is Diabetes Type 2.
This type of diabetes is much more common than the other type, Diabetes Type 1. And while Diabetes Type 1 always requires treatment with insulin, Diabetes Type 2 can sometimes be treated with diet and exercise alone. But it’s important to know the symptoms of this type of diabetes so you can get treatment as soon as possible.
Type 2 Diabetes at a Glance
First, it’s important to understand a few basics about type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes develops when the body can no longer use insulin properly. This is called “insulin resistance.” Insulin is an essential hormone that helps your body convert sugar, glucose, into energy.
When there’s too much glucose in your blood, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s so important to get treatment as soon as possible once you start experiencing some symptoms of this type of diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes Type 2
Excessive Thirst
One of the most common signs of diabetes is excessive thirst. This is because the body needs more fluids to process the glucose in your blood. If you constantly feel thirsty, it could be a sign that something’s wrong with your insulin metabolism.
Frequent Urination
Another common symptom is frequent urination. Diabetes puts a lot of stress on the kidneys, so they must work harder to filter out the extra glucose from your system. As a result, you may need to go to the bathroom more often than normal.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you suddenly start losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine, it could indicate something is wrong with your insulin metabolism. Diabetes affects how your body processes food and can cause an unexpected drop in weight.
Extreme Hunger
Another symptom of diabetes is extreme hunger. This happens because the body isn’t processing glucose efficiently, so it keeps sending signals to eat more food even when you’re not hungry.
Fatigue
If you feel exhausted all the time, this could be a sign that your body is having trouble using insulin properly. Diabetes can make it harder for the body to convert glucose into energy, leading to fatigue and general exhaustion.
Blurred Vision
High glucose levels in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, resulting in blurred vision. If you experience any changes to your vision, don’t ignore it – get checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.
Slow Healing Cuts and Bruises
If you notice that your cuts and bruises take longer than usual to heal, this could be a sign of diabetes. High glucose levels in the blood can prevent wounds from healing properly, so if you’re having trouble with this, it’s best to speak with your doctor immediately.
Yeast Infections
Another symptom is frequent yeast infections. This happens because the extra sugar in the body provides food for the yeast cells, causing them to multiply and resulting in an infection. If you struggle with these types of infections more often than normal, it may be a good idea to get tested for diabetes.
Tingling Or Numbness in The Hands and Feet
High glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels that supply your nerves with oxygen, resulting in tingling and/or numbness in the extremities. If you experience any changes like this, talk to your doctor about it immediately.
Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin
Finally, people with diabetes may also notice an increased feeling of dryness in their mouths and itchiness on their skin. This is due to dehydration caused by the body’s inability to process glucose efficiently.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away. Early detection and treatment of diabetes can help you avoid some of the more serious health complications associated with this condition.
By paying attention to your body and recognizing the warning signs, you can take steps to keep your diabetes under control. Make sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have so that they can help create a plan of action for managing your condition.
Remember, there’s no need to be embarrassed or ashamed – diabetes is very common, and with proper care and management, it doesn’t have to slow down your life or stop you from enjoying everything you love.
