Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

By Author: Jessica Cristina
Total Articles: 17
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Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent variants of diabetes, to affect people around the world. A chronic medical condition, type 2 diabetes causes the body to become resistant to insulin. Hence, people having type 2 diabetes are said to have insulin resistance. That is, despite pancreatic beta cells secreting enough insulin, the body is not able to utilize the hormone to its most efficient level. Due to insufficient utilization of insulin, the glucose (derived from the food we eat) is not able to get transported to various cells in the body. As a result, glucose levels in the blood increase, leading to type 2 diabetes.

Leading doctors and diabetes caregivers are of the opinion that type 2 diabetes develops gradually over a period of time. The condition occurs due to either one or a combination of various factors including family history, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, age, and obesity. Lack of sleep and addiction to alcohol and/or tobacco have also been linked to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.

As the onset of type 2 diabetes is not always sudden, an individual might start experiencing various signs and symptoms that suggest its occurrence. If type 2 diabetes is suspected, an individual may start experiencing common, yet evident type 2 diabetes symptoms like increased thirst and hunger, constant fatigue and tiredness, blurred vision, slow healing of sores (especially in the foot), and frequent urge to urinate. Due to their consistency and severity, a few infections have also been considered to be type 2 diabetes warners. Similarly, type 2 diabetics might also witness the darkening of the skin, especially in their armpits and neck.

Important Note: The above type 2 diabetes symptoms are very mild in nature. Hence, a diabetic patient may not be able to figure out the warning signs. In fact, it has been recorded that around 8 million people worldwide discovered their type 2 diabetes condition at a much later stage.

What to do when type 2 diabetes symptoms are noticed?

Firstly, do not panic! People who experience one or a combination of type 2 diabetes symptoms, usually go in a different headspace and that worsens the situation.

If you discover early signs of type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor in the first place. Delaying diabetes consultation can lead to further complications. Your doctor will not only help you with the diagnosis but also provide relevant information, medication, and preventive measures to manage your condition.

Diabetes diagnosis tests like A1c, oral glucose tolerance test, and fasting plasma glucose test are very helpful in determining the amount of glucose present in the blood.

Although type 2 diabetes is not treatable, doctors suggest that regular insulin therapy can help keep blood sugar levels at bay. Besides, blood sugar levels can further be controlled by following a strict diabetes management plan that includes a diabetes-friendly diet, eating in moderation throughout the day, regular physical exercises, and avoiding alcohol and/or tobacco.

If you discover early signs of type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor in the first place. Delaying diabetes consultation can lead to further complications.