7 Typical Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 often develops over a period of years and many people are unaware that they are developing this very common disease. Here are 7 typical symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 that you need to be aware of:
1. Increased Urination
The words diabetes mellitus derive from latin words meaning essentially “siphoning honey”. This refers to excessive amounts of sugary urine that are passed by diabetics. As sugar builds in the blood stream beyond normal levels, the excessive amounts are passed into the urine by the kidneys. Because of the high levels of sugar in the urine, the kidneys also allow large amounts of water into the urine. This means that a person with diabetes will need to urinate frequently.
2. Increased Thirst
Diabetics often experience excessive thirst. This is caused by two reasons. High levels of glucose in the bloodstream will pull fluid from body tissues. The kidneys are also working hard to flush the glucose out of the bloodstream into the urine. Flushing glucose means that a lot of water will be passed as urine. Both conditions may make the person feel thirsty.
3. Increased Appetite
Normally, insulin allows glucose in the bloodstream to be transported into the body cells where it can be used as energy. In diabetes, the insulin does not work and glucose stays in the blood. Body cells become depleted of glucose and cannot provide energy. This lack of cellular energy will send messages to the brain that you are very hungry. Even when you eat, the sugar cannot be used by the body and will continue to occur.
4. Fatigue
Even though you may be eating more because you are always hungry and thirsty, your body is unable to use the energy as normal. This means your body tissues are deprived of energy which makes you tired. Your brain is also deprived of sugar and energy which may cloud your thinking or make you irritable. Dehydration from excessive urination can also contribute to fatigue and tiredness.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
As sugar and energy coming in through the diet is not used because insulin is not working, the body will need to release and burn stored fuel from tissues to provide energy. This means that weight may be lost in the form of both fat and muscle tissues. Eating more will not correct this problem and even when you continue to eat more, you may continue to lose weight.
6. Difficulty Healing
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 affects the body’s ability to heal itself and fight infection. The immune responses of the body are limited and excessive sugar in the blood may damage the blood vessels resulting in poor circulation. Even small cuts and abrasions may take weeks to heal. This is especially noticeable on the feet where diabetes can eventually cause the need for amputation.
7. Blurry Vision
High blood glucose levels of Type 2 diabetes may cause disturbances in the fluid levels of the eyes. because of the extra sugar in the blood stream, fluid may be pulled from the eye which will change the shape of the lens. Changing the shape of the eye may cause blurred vision and the loss of ability to focus, particularly on small objects.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you must see your doctor immediately.
The complications can be severe, as we outline in the 5 Common Complications of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
