Manifestations of Type 2 Diabetes: What to Watch For
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively—the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. The danger of this disease lies in the fact that it often develops gradually and may remain unnoticed for a long time. Early recognition of symptoms is the key to successful control and prevention of complications.
Classic symptoms (associated with high blood glucose levels):
Increased thirst and dry mouth (polydipsia). The kidneys try to eliminate excess sugar through urine, which requires large amounts of fluid.
Frequent and excessive urination (polyuria). A result of increased fluid intake and the body’s attempts to “flush out” excess glucose.
Increased appetite, especially cravings for sweets (polyphagia). Due to insulin resistance, cells cannot absorb glucose from the blood, and the body signals hunger.
Chronic fatigue and weakness. Energy (glucose) does not enter the cells in sufficient amounts, leading to exhaustion.
Unexplained weight loss. Despite increased appetite, the body begins using muscle and fat as alternative energy sources because glucose is not properly utilized.
Other important signs:
Slow wound healing and frequent infections. High blood sugar impairs circulation and weakens immune defenses, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi.
Blurred vision or a “veil” before the eyes. Fluctuations in glucose levels cause swelling of the lens, temporarily changing its shape and focus.
Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet (neuropathy). Damage to nerve endings caused by high sugar levels and poor blood supply.
Skin itching, especially in the groin area, and dry skin.
Dark, velvety patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) in skin folds such as the neck, armpits, and groin. This is a sign of insulin resistance.
Bleeding gums and periodontal disease.
Important considerations:
Many of these symptoms may be mild or absent in the early stages.
Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed incidentally during examinations for other reasons.
Risk factors—excess weight (especially abdominal obesity), physical inactivity, age over 45, family history, and a history of gestational diabetes—increase the likelihood of developing the disease even when symptoms are minimal.
What should you do?
If you notice a combination of several of these symptoms, especially in the presence of risk factors, this is a strong reason to promptly consult a doctor (a general practitioner or an endocrinologist) and have blood tests for glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Early diagnosis and timely treatment (lifestyle changes, diet modification, and medications when necessary) make it possible not only to control blood sugar levels but also to prevent or delay serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and nervous system.
Do not ignore the signals from your body. Type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition, and with proper control, it is entirely possible to live a full and active life.