Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which your blood sugar, or glucose, levels are abnormally high. Blood glucose is derived from food and is intended to be used as the primary energy source. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, this mechanism is disrupted. Instead, blood glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, causing health concerns.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which your blood sugar, or glucose, levels are abnormally high. Blood glucose is derived from food and is intended to be used as the primary energy source. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, this mechanism is disrupted. Instead, blood glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, causing health concerns.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes might appear gradually over time. 1
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Sometimes the symptoms are so subtle that they go unnoticed. Some people may never develop symptoms, only to discover they have type 2 diabetes after complications such as heart disease arise. 1
While it is possible to have type 2 diabetes without being aware of it, it is still beneficial to be aware of the symptoms of this widespread disease in case you do exhibit any indicators of the condition. After all, early detection lowers the likelihood of problems. 2
Type 2 diabetes might interfere with a variety of daily activities. The condition might also have an impact on your skin, eyes, and gums. These changes in function and health might sometimes be the first indicators of type 2 diabetes.
Urination on a regular basis
Having to use the restroom more frequently than normal could be an indication of type 2 diabetes. Polyuria is a condition characterized by frequent urination. 3
The increased need to urinate frequently occurs at night. The need to use the restroom more frequently at night is referred to as nocturia. 34
Because your body is producing more urine than usual, you may need to urinate more frequently. Excess glucose in people with type 2 diabetes can end up in their urine. 5 Glucose attracts water into the urine as well. You will need to urinate more since there is more liquid that has to leave the body. 6: Extreme Thirst
Excessive thirst is associated with frequent urination. Because higher glucose levels promote more urine, your body loses an excessive amount of fluid. Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it needs to replenish lost fluids.
Polydipsia is the medical term for exceptionally intense thirst.
Enhanced Hunger
A greater-than-usual appetite could be an indication of diabetes. 7 Even if you’ve been eating, this hunger persists. 8 Polyphagia is the medical term for this disorder.
This symptom is related to increased urine loss. The calories in the glucose are excreted in the urine together with the glucose. The depletion of calories might cause feelings of hunger. 9 Strange Weight Losses
When you consume food, the food is converted into glucose. That glucose is expected to be transported from the bloodstream to cells and used as an energy source by your body. 10
However, in type 2 diabetes, this mechanism is disrupted. Instead, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, preventing your body from getting the energy it requires from glucose.
To obtain the remaining energy, your body may begin to burn muscle and fat. You can lose weight while your body draws from these areas. 11 Fatigue
A person with type 2 diabetes may become physically or mentally exhausted. 12
This weariness could be caused by uncontrolled glucose levels. You may experience exhaustion if the hormone insulin is unable to efficiently transfer glucose to be used for energy. 13: hazy vision
Changes in glucose levels can induce edema in the eye tissue. Because such tissues aid in focus, the alteration may result in hazy vision. 14
This is frequently a transient issue. When your glucose levels return to normal, the swelling reduces, and your eyesight becomes clear. 14 infections are on the rise.
High glucose levels make it difficult for the immune system to fight illness. 15 Furthermore, the additional glucose provides an environment in which bacteria can easily flourish, allowing illnesses to develop more quickly.
Infections of the 15 are common among people with type 2 diabetes.
Throat, nose, and ears
The urinary tract
Kidney
Skin and soft tissue, particularly in the thighs
Infections are not only more common, but they may take longer to heal as well. 10 skin variations
Diabetes can occasionally be detected through skin issues. These issues include bacterial and fungal infections, which are more common in patients with type 2 diabetes. 16
Itching is another skin-related issue that could indicate type 2 diabetes. The itching would be restricted to a certain area of the body. Itching could be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or inadequate circulation. When itching is caused by inadequate circulation, the itchiest locations may be the lower legs. 16
Cuts and bruises may also heal more slowly than usual. 17
Your skin may also be extremely dry. 4 Strange Feelings in Your Feet
High blood sugar levels for an extended period of time might harm nerves. If your nerves are injured, you may notice changes in sensation in various parts of your body. Diabetic neuropathy is the term for nerve damage caused by diabetes. 18
Peripheral nerve injury is the most prevalent kind of diabetic neuropathy. Numbness, tingling, discomfort, heightened sensitivity, or weakness may result. These sensations typically begin in your feet, but they can also impact your hands, legs, and arms. The harm frequently takes time to manifest. 18 Modifications to Your Teeth and Gums
Diabetes can alter your saliva in a variety of ways. Saliva changes might have an impact on your teeth and gums.
First, if you have diabetes, you may produce less salvia. Saliva aids in the prevention of cavities and gum disease by washing away food particles. You have less saliva to help you get rid of cavity-causing debris. Saliva also contains minerals that can protect the gums. Reduced saliva means less gum protection.
Second, if you have diabetes, there may be more glucose in your saliva. Increased glucose levels in saliva can cause plaque, which can contribute to gum disease.
Gum disease progresses through several degrees of severity, from gum inflammation to tooth loss. Gum disease can be identified by red, puffy, or bleeding gums. 19
If you have diabetes symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare expert about your glucose levels. Glucose levels can be tested via blood tests and are used to diagnose type 2 diabetes.
It is possible to have type 2 diabetes without seeing any symptoms. As a result, people who are at risk for the illness should have their glucose levels checked. 20 This covers those who have prediabetes, are at least 45 years old, or have a type 2 diabetic family member. 21
Undiagnosed and untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health consequences. While type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, a variety of management approaches, ranging from lifestyle changes to pharmaceuticals, can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent illness characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. At times, there may be no signs of type 2 diabetesed by elevated blood sugar levels. At times, there may be no signs of type 2 diabetes. If there are symptoms, they appear gradually. Increased urination, thirst, or hunger are some of the symptoms. Changes in your dental, eye, or skin health may also occur. If you feel you are experiencing any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, you should consult with a healthcare specialist. Early identification of the disease is critical for controlling your blood sugar and avoiding its consequences.
