Type 2 Diabetes symptoms everyone should know.
1. Increased thirst and frequent urination
2. Feeling tired or fatigued
3. Blurry vision
4. Slow healing of cuts and wounds
5. Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
6. Unexplained weight loss or gain
7. Dry mouth or itchy skin
8. Yeast infections
9. Skin darkening around the neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans)
10. Increased hunger or cravings
It’s important that not everyone with type 2 diabetes will experience these symptoms. Some people may have no symptoms at all. If you are concerned about your risk for type 2 diabetes, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider.
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
Increased thirst and frequent urination are two of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb glucose from the blood. This can cause more urine to be produced, leading to frequent urination. As a result, the body may become dehydrated, leading to increased thirst.
In addition to high blood sugar levels, other factors can contribute to increased thirst and frequent urination in people with type 2 diabetes. For example, certain medications used to treat diabetes can cause these symptoms, as can other health conditions like kidney disease or a urinary tract infection.
- Feeling tired or fatigued
Feeling tired or fatigued is another possible symptom of type 2 diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, the body has difficulty using glucose for energy, which can lead to feelings of tiredness or fatigue.
In addition to high blood sugar levels, other factors can contribute to fatigue in people with type 2 diabetes. For example, sleep apnea, a common condition among people with type 2 diabetes, can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling tired during the day. Depression, which is also more common among people with diabetes, can also contribute to fatigue.
- Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is another common symptom of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to a change in shape and blurring of vision. This effect is usually temporary and can be reversed when blood sugar levels are brought under control.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can also damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds.
Slow healing of cuts and wounds is another common symptom of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that are needed for proper wound healing, which can cause cuts and wounds to heal more slowly.
In addition, people with type 2 diabetes are more prone to infections, which can further delay wound healing. High blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system and thus make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet is another possible symptom of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that carry signals from the hands and feet to the brain, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, burning, or pain in the hands, feet, or legs. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy can also affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Unexplained weight loss/gain.
Unexplained weight loss or gain is another common symptom of type 2 diabetes. Weight loss can occur when the body is unable to use glucose for energy, leading to the breakdown of fat and muscle tissue. On the other hand, weight gain can occur when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to an increase in appetite and a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream.
In addition, some medications used to treat type 2 diabetes can cause weight gain as a side effect. It’s important to note that weight loss or gain can also be symptoms of other health conditions, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Your healthcare provider can help determine if your weight changes are related to type 2 diabetes or another underlying condition and can recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Dry mouth and itchy skin.
Dry mouth and itchy skin are two symptoms that can be associated with type 2 diabetes. If your blood sugar is high, this can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth and skin. In addition, high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy, which can cause dry skin.
Itchy skin can also be a symptom of diabetes-related skin conditions, such as fungal infections or diabetic dermopathy. These conditions can cause patches of dry, scaly, or discolored skin, which can be itchy and uncomfortable.
- Yeast Infections.
Yeast infections are a common symptom of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women. High blood sugar levels can create an ideal environment for yeast to grow, leading to infections in the mouth, vagina, or other areas of the body.
Yeast infections can cause several different symptoms, including itching, burning, and discharge. In some cases, yeast infections can also cause pain during sex or urination.
- Skin darkening around the neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans)
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that can be associated with type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by patches of dark, thickened skin, typically around the neck, armpits, or groin. The affected skin may also feel velvety or rough to the touch.
Acanthosis nigricans is caused by high levels of insulin in the bloodstream, which can stimulate the growth of skin cells and lead to the darkening and thickening of the skin. It is more common in people who are overweight or obese, as well as in people with a family history of the condition.
- Increased hunger.
Increased hunger or cravings are another common symptom of type 2 diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, the body may not be able to use glucose for energy, which can lead to feelings of hunger or cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods.
In addition, some medications used to treat type 2 diabetes can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, which can also lead to increased hunger or cravings.
It’s important to note that all of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other health conditions, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing these symptoms. A simple blood test can help determine if you have high blood sugar levels and may need further evaluation for type 2 diabetes.
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