Anyone who has type 2 diabetes or has someone suffering from it knows that it can be a life-altering condition. What’s even more alarming is that many people may not recognize the symptoms (like excessive hunger and fatigue) until it’s too late. This blog post will explore some of the significant signs of type 2 diabetes to look out for. We will also discuss the preventative measures to control high blood sugar.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition usually resulting from high blood sugar levels in the body. It occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.

As diabetes is a progressive disease, those afflicted must regularly observe their blood sugar levels to stay healthy. They may also consult a nutritionist and receive a suitable prescription.

Getting the right treatment necessitates identifying the symptoms of diabetes (or high blood sugar). The symptoms may be subtle or harmless, like increased thirst and hunger. However, persistent symptoms, such as fatigue and vision problems, must be checked.

Early signs of type 2 diabetes that should not be ignored

The sooner a person identifies the symptoms of high blood sugar, the sooner one can build a treatment plan to follow for a healthy life. Here are the 9 common early signs and symptoms that will help you recognize the onset of type 2 diabetes and control high blood sugar.

Frequent urination

People with type 2 diabetes often experience polyuria or an increased need for urination. It’s caused by the inability of their kidneys to filter blood and transport glucose back into the bloodstream. The surplus of glucose can’t be reabsorbed in the blood, which forces additional water out. It may require frequent bathroom visits. Some people may have to get up every couple of hours at night to urinate.

Excessive thirst

Excess thirst, also known as polydipsia, is one of the classic warning signs of type 2 diabetes. One may often experience thirst that cannot be relieved by regular drinking, leading to interruptions in sleep and other activities. While increased urination due to excess sugar in the body can explain this phenomenon, increased stress levels may also impact one’s need for hydration.

High blood sugar leads to excessive thirst or dry mouth because the excess glucose forces the kidney to work harder to eliminate the excess glucose. As more fluids leave one’s body, one will feel thirsty and dehydrated throughout the day. Hence, make sure to consume plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Frequent hunger

People with type 2 diabetes experience polyphagia, which causes extreme hunger. This is because, during high blood sugar, the body excretes glucose through urine, leading to decreased calories. To compensate for this energy loss and balance out the system, a person may experience an insatiable appetite even after eating meals.

Fatigue
Diabetes can make a person feel exhausted in two ways – when the body cannot process glucose from the blood for energy or when dehydration from excess urination sets in. The resulting fatigue can cause mood swings or irritability, eventually resulting in stress. Additionally, when blood sugar levels are too high or too low, the body does not receive enough energy to function properly. This leads to fatigue and a general lack of energy.

Vision problems

Excess blood sugar levels may damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems, including blurry vision, in one or both eyes. Persons with diabetes are much more likely to develop eye diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

Without regular monitoring and treatment, they risk developing permanent vision loss in both eyes. A dilated eye exam may detect any existing problems and avoid potentially serious complications.

Swollen or tender gums
Diabetes may make it harder for a person’s body to fight infection, which raises the possibility of infection in the bones that support the teeth as well as in the gums. If one has a gum infection before diabetes sets in, one may be at a higher risk of developing ulcers or pockets of pus in the gums, teeth becoming loose, or one’s gums pulling away from the teeth.

Numbness and tingling

Type 2 diabetes affects blood circulation and damages the nerves, preventing adequate nutrients and oxygen supply and causing a pin-pain or sensation of tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, toes, and fingers. This condition, when extreme, makes it difficult to take notice of injuries or pressure. As a result, a person may be at risk for increased tissue damage due to unnoticed issues such as burns, scrapes, blisters, or cuts.

Changes in skin

Poor circulation due to type 2 diabetes may result in dry, itchy skin and patches of hardened skin. These patches form when fluid is drawn out from the cells to create extra urine caused by too much sugar entering the system.

Delayed healing

Since diabetes can affect blood circulation, one’s body will have difficulty delivering new blood and immune cells to the wounded area. Therefore, even a mild cut or wound might take weeks or months to heal. Moreover, high blood sugar tends to weaken the immune system. It will make one more susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections, as the immune cells cannot fight against them.

Wrapping up

Early intervention for type 2 diabetes is essential for a positive outcome. Don’t wait until the symptoms become severe or troublesome to seek professional advice and treatment. Vigilant high blood sugar monitoring and proper lifestyle modifications may help reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Additionally, eating balanced meals that combine nutrient-dense foods, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body may help reduce one’s risk of developing diabetes.