Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes, and while adults have a higher risk of developing it, a lot more children are being diagnosed – due to the increase in childhood obesity.
This form of diabetes used to be referred to as “adult-onset” diabetes, and it develops when cells in your body stop reacting to insulin, or your body doesn’t produce the amount of insulin it needs to function properly. Symptoms tend to develop slowly, so it often goes undiagnosed until it starts causing health complications. Untreated type 2 diabetes can be life-threatening, so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms speak to your doctor about getting tested.
Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
- Frequent urination and increased thirst: excess sugar builds up in your bloodstream, which causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues
- Increased hunger: without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs lose energy, which triggers intense hunger
- Weight loss: even though you’re eating more, you’re losing calories through frequent urination
- Fatigue: you’re constantly tired and irritable, because your cells are deprived of sugar
- Blurred vision: fluid starts getting pulled from the lenses of your eye if your blood sugar level is too high
- Slow-healing sores/frequent infections: type 2 diabetes lowers your immune system, so your body struggles to fight infections and heal
- Tingling/numbness in your hands and feet: along with swelling or burning pain, these are signs of nerve damage as a result of diabetes
If your symptoms are recent, it’s possible to reverse the condition. However, if your blood sugar levels have been out of control for too long, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.
Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, but it can be managed by keeping track of your blood sugar levels, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medication if necessary.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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