Recognize the warning signs of Type 2 Diabetes: excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. Early detection empowers effective management. Early detection is crucial, as it allows for timely and effective management through lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring to prevent complications.
Type 2 Diabetes: What to Know
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that is necessary for the body to use glucose (sugar) for energy. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a variety of health problems over time, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.1
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90-95% of all cases. It is typically diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, but it can also occur in younger people. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes, and certain ethnicities.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, and medication. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay the development of serious complications.
Spotting the Signs Early
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, and there may be no symptoms in the early stages. However, there are a number of signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of type 2 diabetes, including:2
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Feeling very hungry or tired
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Darkened skin patches in the armpits, groin, or neck
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for a blood sugar test to check for diabetes.
Vision Changes and Other Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes is blurred vision. This is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Blurred vision can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Feeling very hungry or tired
- Slow-healing sores
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Darkened skin patches in the armpits, groin, or neck
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for a blood sugar test to check for diabetes.
Learn More About Type 2 Diabetes
If you are interested in learning more about type 2 diabetes, there are a number of resources available online. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers a wealth of information on type 2 diabetes, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. You can also find helpful information on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) website.
If you think you may have type 2 diabetes, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay the development of serious complications.
