Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide. It is characterised by elevated blood sugar levels. Understanding Type 2 Diabetes involves taking a proactive approach to its prevention before it develops, as well as its management, control, and potential reversal once diagnosed. The signs of Type 2 Diabetes are quite subtle and gradually develop over time. So, It is vital to stay in tune with your body and recognise the early signs and symptoms.
Type 2 Diabetes Signs
When it comes to Type Two diabetes, prevention is uncertain and onset is unpredictable. If left unchecked, the high blood sugar levels might even lead to life-threatening health implications. Recognising the early signs on-time will facilitate quicker diagnosis and treatment, thereby minimizing risks and complications. The first signs of Type 2 Diabetes in adults are quite similar to the initial signs of Type 2 Diabetes in children. So, parents have a bigger responsibility to catch the signs early-on in children.
The 3 early signs of Type 2 diabetes in men, women, and children are,
1. Frequent Urination
When your pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar, your kidneys act overtime to remove the excess sugar. You know what happens when your kidneys get active! Yep, you will experience frequent urination, particularly at night. In most cases, this is the noticeable first sign of Type 2 diabetes. In addition to frequent urination, urinary incontinence is also one of the early signs of Type 2 diabetes in women.
2. Increased thirst
Frequent urination has an inevitable side effect: increased thirst. As your kidneys excrete excess glucose through urine, your body loses more fluid than it should, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. On the plus side, increased thirst is not always a cause for concern, as our bodies react to weather conditions differently. However, excessive thirst is one of the warning signs of Type 2 diabetes.
3. Excessive Fatigue
With your body facing insulin resistance and excessive sugar in the bloodstream, your cells don’t get enough insulin for normal functioning. This leads to frequent episodes of fatigue and tiredness. Additionally, excessive urination and the inevitable sleep deprivation makes things worse. Excessive fatigue is one of the first signs of Type 2 in Teens, as they are mostly brim with youthful energy.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
There are chances that the first signs of Type 2 Diabetes skip your attention when you are caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. But, there are some more early signs and symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes that get more prominent and noticeable as the days progress.
Here is the list of symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
1. Frequent Hunger
When you consume food, your body turns it into glucose and the insulin transfers it to your cells. When your body doesn’t secrete enough insulin, your cells don’t get adequate glucose to function as normal. This leads to your brain sending signals to your body and you end up feeling constantly hungry, no matter how recently you have eaten.
2. Rapid Weight Loss
You might be surprised to see this symptom after ‘frequent hunger.’ But, this is a fact! When you lose sugar due to frequent urination, you will lose calories too. Besides, your body breaks down fat to gather energy when there is insulin resistance, thereby leading to rapid weight loss. Weight loss without any reason might be an early symptom of Type 2 Diabetes.
3. Blurry Vision
Excess sugar in your bloodstream has the potential to damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to blurry vision in one or both the eyes. If left unchecked, the damage can become more severe, thereby leading to permanent vision loss. The high blood sugar may also lead to swelling in your retina, thereby distorting vision. In this case, your vision gets back to normal once your sugar levels go down.
4. Hand & Feet Tingling/Numbness/Pain
High blood sugar affects blood circulation to your cells, thereby leading to nerve strain/damage. When your nerves take a hit, they inevitably send SOS signals to your brain – the result is an unpleasant tingling or numbing sensation in your hands and feet. If the nerve damage is severe, you might even feel pain in both hands and feet.
5. Slow Healing Cuts/Wounds
Normally, cuts and bruises heal in a few days as blood circulation helps build new tissues by inducing your body to produce collagen. High blood sugar can damage your nerves and blood vessels, thereby leading to impaired blood circulation. When this happens, even small wounds and cuts take months to heal, leaving place for infections. This is one of the main symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
6. Dark Skin Patches
Although not that common, Acanthosis Nigricans is one of the advanced Type 2 Diabetes symptoms. This condition causes patches of soft velvety dark skin to form on the creases of the neck, armpit, or groin. But, the presence of this condition doesn’t mean that you have diabetes as research shows it can happen due to various other reasons.
7. Yeast Infections/Itching
Individuals with diabetes often get yeast infections as the high blood sugar can change the pH of the vagina and penis, making it easier for yeast to grow. Additionally, the excess blood sugar acts as a catalyst for yeast to grow. The result is itching, burning, or an unpleasant discharge. Yeast infection can also affect skin folds, armpits, mouth, nails.
To conclude, the common signs and symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes are quite discreet, but can lead to drastic consequences if left unchecked. By staying informed and aware, you can confidently work towards a healthier and more fulfilled life.
