What are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes? – Nov. 28, 2020
In today’s post, we’ll look at some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body has developed a resistance to insulin, the hormone that allows our cells to use glucose from the food we eat. Glucose is a vital source of energy for all of the body’s cells, so without it, the body cannot function properly. In the case of insulin resistance, glucose cannot enter the cells.
The onset of type 2 diabetes is often gradual—symptoms can be subtle during the early stages so you may not realize that you have it initially. Recognizing the early signs is important to prevent severe complications down the road. At One Community Health in Sacramento, we specialize in type 2 diabetes treatment. The following are some of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes that we want you to be aware of so that you can come in for treatment as soon as possible.
1. Increased urination
When blood sugar levels are elevated, the kidneys attempt to get rid of the extra sugar in the blood by filtering it out. This can lead to more frequent urination, especially at night. Because there is more sugar in the urine, you might notice a slightly fruity or sweet smell.
2. Excessive thirst
Frequent urination causes dehydration over time, which can cause you to feel more thirsty than usual.
3. Hunger
When you have diabetes, you likely are not getting enough energy because glucose from the food you eat isn’t getting to your cells. Consequently, you may feel constantly hungry, regardless of how recently you’ve eaten. Your body doesn’t understand why it isn’t getting the fuel it needs, so it signals you to eat more food.
4. Lethargy
You may feel lethargic, or tired, because there is not enough sugar, or glucose, moving from your bloodstream into your body’s cells to be used as energy.
5. Blurry vision
Too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause damage to tiny blood vessels in your eyes, making it difficult to see. It can occur in one or both of the eyes and the blurry vision may be intermittent at first. If you have diabetes and go without treatment, the damage to these blood vessels can become more severe, and you may ultimately experience a complete loss of vision.
6. Slow-healing wounds
High blood sugar levels also cause damage to all of your body’s blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation. Adequate circulation is necessary for wounds to heal, so when circulation is impaired, it may take weeks or sometimes months for even small cuts to heal. This also increases your chances of getting an infection.
7. Tingling or pain
In addition to compromising circulation, uncontrolled diabetes also damages the body’s nerves. Both of these factors can lead to pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling in the hands and feet, called neuropathy. If left untreated, neuropathy can lead to serious complications that may ultimately result in the need for amputation.
8. Yeast infections
Sugar feeds yeast, allowing it to grow—so high levels of sugar in the blood and urine can lead to increased yeast infections. They typically occur in warm, moist areas of the skin, such as the mouth, genital areas, and armpits. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and soreness.
Diabetes Treatment in Sacramento
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of type 2 diabetes or are looking for quality, affordable diabetes treatment in Sacramento, our team of highly-experienced, compassionate professionals looks forward to partnering with you. At One Community Health, we want to help you live a healthy and productive life by focusing on your unique needs, regardless of your ability to pay. We accept walk-ins, or you can make an appointment by calling 916-443-3299.
Photo by Diabetesmagazijn.nl on Unsplash
