Common Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. The condition is increasingly common and it can be dangerous when left untreated. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually appear slowly over time, making them easy to overlook or ignore. It's important to be aware of the common symptoms, especially for those in high-risk groups, such as the overweight, the inactive or those over the age of 45.
- Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Feeling thirstier than usual and urinating more frequently
- Increased appetite
- Low energy levels
- Frequent infections or sores that heal slowlyBlurred vision or difficulty focusing
Anyone experiencing symptoms of type 2 diabetes should talk to a doctor. A physician can perform a number of simple blood tests to make a diagnosis. Depending on the patient's condition, however, additional tests may be necessary to find out whether he or she has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all, so regular screening may be recommended.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a problem in the way the body metabolizes sugar (also called glucose), its main source of fuel. The body needs a hormone called insulin to release the energy in glucose, and type 2 diabetes signifies an insulin problem in which either not enough insulin is being made, or the cells that use the glucose become resistant to insulin. Either way, it means the body is unable to use the sugar it needs for energy; instead, the glucose simply accumulates in the bloodstream.
An inability to regulate blood sugar levels can lead to a number of serious long-term complications including heart disease, skin and gum infections and damage to the kidneys, feet and eyes. Type 2 diabetes can't be cured, but it can be treated through blood sugar management, carefully following a healthy diet and following a program of regular exercise. Some people with type 2 diabetes also use insulin therapy or medication to control their blood sugar level.
Type 2 diabetes is not a communicable disease; it's a condition that develops, usually slowly, in some people for mostly unknown reasons. There are, however, a number of risk factors for developing diabetes. Some are genetic, like having a close relative with the condition or being a member of an ethnic group at high risk (Native Americans, African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, among others). Other risk factors are related to lifestyle, like being inactive, having a poor diet or being overweight.
Type 2 diabetes was once known as "adult-onset diabetes" because it was diagnosed primarily in mature men and women. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes occur most often in older people, especially after the age of 45, but the condition is increasingly being diagnosed in the young -- including teens and children. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion , this may be related to the current epidemic of childhood obesity and the related low levels of physical activity among children. It can also be especially difficult to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus in children because the symptoms are often mild or even non-existent, in which case a blood test is the only means of detection. It's also important to remember that the symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually develop slowly in children and adults alike.
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a serious complication related to type 2 diabetes that can lead to convulsions, unconsciousness or even a hypoglycemic coma. According to the National Institutes of Health, people with type 2 diabetes should immediately contact their doctor or health care provider if they experience these symptoms:
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is another complication of type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination and increased thirst. If hyperglycemia is untreated it can lead to an even-more-serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that occurs with the buildup of harmful acids called ketones in the blood. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:
Over-the-counter tests are available to monitor the level of ketones in one's urine, and treatment should be sought immediately in the case of an elevated level.
An inability to regulate blood sugar levels can lead to a number of serious long-term complications including heart disease, skin and gum infections and damage to the kidneys, feet and eyes. Type 2 diabetes can't be cured, but it can be treated through blood sugar management, carefully following a healthy diet and following a program of regular exercise. Some people with type 2 diabetes also use insulin therapy or medication to control their blood sugar level.
Type 2 diabetes is not a communicable disease; it's a condition that develops, usually slowly, in some people for mostly unknown reasons. There are, however, a number of risk factors for developing diabetes. Some are genetic, like having a close relative with the condition or being a member of an ethnic group at high risk (Native Americans, African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, among others). Other risk factors are related to lifestyle, like being inactive, having a poor diet or being overweight.
Type 2 diabetes was once known as "adult-onset diabetes" because it was diagnosed primarily in mature men and women. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes occur most often in older people, especially after the age of 45, but the condition is increasingly being diagnosed in the young -- including teens and children. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion , this may be related to the current epidemic of childhood obesity and the related low levels of physical activity among children. It can also be especially difficult to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus in children because the symptoms are often mild or even non-existent, in which case a blood test is the only means of detection. It's also important to remember that the symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually develop slowly in children and adults alike.
Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
Type 2 diabetes is a common, highly treatable medical condition, but people who have type 2 diabetes also run the risk of serious long-term and short-term complications. It's important to know how to recognize them, because some short-term type 2 diabetes complications are extremely dangerous -- even life-threatening.Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a serious complication related to type 2 diabetes that can lead to convulsions, unconsciousness or even a hypoglycemic coma. According to the National Institutes of Health, people with type 2 diabetes should immediately contact their doctor or health care provider if they experience these symptoms:
- Trembling
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Lack of coordination
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is another complication of type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination and increased thirst. If hyperglycemia is untreated it can lead to an even-more-serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that occurs with the buildup of harmful acids called ketones in the blood. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- shortness of breath
- fruity or sweet breath
Over-the-counter tests are available to monitor the level of ketones in one's urine, and treatment should be sought immediately in the case of an elevated level.
Comments
Write New Comment ▼
Write New Comment
Sorry! This knol's owner(s) have blocked you from editing, making suggestions, or commenting here.