Type 2 diabetes causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of this chronic condition can result in a person getting treatment sooner, which reduces the risk of severe complications.
Symptoms that need to be noted
Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly. In fact, you can be living with type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. When signs and symptoms are present, they may include:
1. Increased thirst and frequent urination
As excess sugar enters the bloodstream, the fluid is withdrawn from the tissue. Because you are thirsty more than usual, you drink more and urinate more often.
2. Increased hunger
Without enough insulin to carry sugar to the cells, your muscles and organs remain without power. This triggers intense hunger.
3. Fatigue
When cells lack glucose, become tiresome and irritable.
4. Loss of weight
Although eating more than usual, you can lose weight. Without the ability to use glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost, and glucose in the urine is discharged.
5. Blurred vision
If blood sugar is too high, the eyes are producing more liquid, and this can affect the ability to focus.
Wounds that heal slowly or frequent infections. Type 2 diabetes affects the ability to heal and fight infections.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
The only bright spot in this sad news is that there are ways to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Here’s how:
– Introduce the physical activity on a daily basis.
Exercise improves insulin action and glucose from the blood to direct tissue, where it can be used for energy.
– Maintain a healthy body weight.
If you’re overweight, the more weight you lose, the more you reduce your chances of getting diabetes.
– Eat foods without refined carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and monounsaturated fats (like olive oil).
– Take care of your health. Regularly measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. Ask for help if you need it.
