subject: Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms - The Things You Should Know [print this page] Diabetes symptoms come on gradually with no obvious signs such as a rash or cut. About a third of those who have type 2 diabetes have it for years without even realizing it.
The Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Mostly, diabetes is not diagnosed until you visit your doctor for other health reasons. Some of the signs to look for would be:
* Increased thirst - Excess sugar in your bloodstream can steal fluid from your bodys' tissue, leaving you dehydrated and thirsty.
* Frequent need to urinate - This is a result from the extra drinks you consume to rehydrate your bodys' tissue.
* Excess hunger - When you have a lack of insulin (helps your cells to process sugar into energy for your body) the amount of energy present in your organs and muscles is greatly reduced. This leads to your body to desire extra food to replace what it has lost.
* Weight gain - This if from all the excess eating done in order to gain lost energy.
* Decreased or Blurred vision - When your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be taken from your eye tissue, affecting your ability to focus correctly.
* Slow healing sores - With type 2 diabetes your ability to fight infections and heal properly will take a lot longer than you think.
* Frequent infections - You may see an increase in vaginal or bladder infections due to too much sugar in the urine.
* Fatigue - You may become tired if your cells are lacking their much needed energy.
* Tingling and, or Numbness in your hands or feet - Diabetics tend to have poor circulation, therefore lacking proper sensation in the extremities.
* Impotency - This is due to poor circulation/improper blood flow.
Some type 2 diabetics have been known to have dark, velvety patches of skin in the creases or folds of their body (such as the neck or armpits) This is a sign of insulin resistance called acanthosis nigricans.
