Type2 diabetes is a common condition today. Studies show that over 37 million people in the US with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes causes blood glucose levels to rise higher than usual. It results from your body’s cells becoming resistant to insulin, or the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

Although not everyone with type 2 diabetes is obese or overweight, it is one of the most prevalent cause of type 2 diabetes. An inactive lifestyle is also a huge cause of type 2 diabetes in about 90 to 95% of cases in North America.

Here is a look at some of the early tell signs that you may have type 2 diabetes and the importance of early diagnosis. We will also look at the risk factors of the condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes type 2 builds up gradually, and you can spot some of its symptoms in its early stages. This way, you will be better positioned to reverse any damage caused. Here are the signs and symptoms that you might have type 2 diabetes:

Frequent Urination

When your blood glucose levels are high, your kidneys will try to eliminate the excess sugar in the blood by filtering it out. This will often lead to more frequent urination, especially at night.

Increased Thirst

When you urinate more than necessary to get rid of the excess blood sugar, your body will lose water, leading to dehydration. Dehydration will lead to you feeling thirstier than usual. This is the type of thirst that you cannot quench.

Fatigue

Type 2 diabetes patients have reported low energy levels that make them tired. Fatigue is often caused by insufficient sugar in your blood streams and cells. Your cells lack the energy to remain functional as usual.

Frequent Hunger

Type 2 diabetes patients do not get the required energy from their food. The body cannot convert the food eaten into glucose which the body uses as fuel. If you do not have enough glucose in your bloodstream, you will constantly feel hungry regardless of how much food you eat.

Slow Healing Wounds and Cuts

High sugar levels in your bloodstream can damage the blood vessels and nerves, often leading to impaired circulation. This means small cuts and wounds will take months and, in some cases, months to heal.

If your wounds and cuts take a long to heal, it increases the risk of infection.

Blurry Vision

Excess blood glucose can damage the eyes’ small blood vessels, causing blurry vision. It can happen in either one of the eyes. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can lead to swelling of the lens leading to blurry vision, but your vision will improve when your blood sugar levels reduce.

If the condition goes for long without treatment, it can severely damage the blood vessels leading to permanent vision loss.

Patches of Dark Skin

Diabetes type 2 also causes darker patches on the armpits, groin, and neck skin. These patches feel velvety and soft. This skin condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.

Yeast Infection and Itching

Excess glucose in your urine and blood can often lead to yeast infections. Yeast thrives in moist and warm areas of the skin, including armpits, genitals, and mouth.

Numbness, Tingling, And Pain in The Hands and Feet

Excessive blood glucose affects blood circulation and can often lead to nerve damage. This can lead to a sensation of tingling or pain sensation in the feet and hands. This condition can get worse if you do not seek treatment.

What Are the Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes?

  • Being overweight and obese
  • Being 45 years old and older
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Having an unbalanced diet
  • Having prediabetes
  • Having a history of diabetes in your family
  • Having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
  • Having obesity or being overweight

Early signs of type 2 diabetes include hunger, tiredness, increased thirst, vision problems, and slow wound healing. If you notice some of these symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to reduce the risk of lifelong complications. Early diagnosis can reverse any damage caused, but you must also adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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