Early Signs of Type 2 Diabetes and What to Do About Them

Diabetes is a very rampant problem across the world. With about 537 million people currently living with diabetes, it’s no wonder why a CNN report calls it a “pandemic of unprecedented magnitude.” At the current prevalence rate, the International Diabetes Federation predicts that diabetes will rise to one in eight adults by 2024.

There are two main types of this disease—Type 1 and Type 2. The former is typically in-born, with afflicted individuals not being able to produce insulin naturally. On the other hand, the latter is usually caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or is secondary to another health condition.

This means that there are ways to manage Type 2 diabetes naturally, and an article on ‘How to Reverse Diabetes Naturally’ highlights the different ways you can do this. This ranges from changing your diet, taking supplements, and exercising regularly. If you believe that you are susceptible to this illness, here are some of the early warning signs you should look out for early signs of type 2 diabetes:

Constant Hunger

For those with high blood sugar, they may experience something called Polyphagia. This is a condition wherein those with either high blood sugar or low blood sugar may experience bodily cues signaling hunger.

For those with hypoglycemia, they may think they are hungry because their insulin levels are down. At the same time, those with hyperglycemia believe there are hungry because their body is not receiving enough energy.

Those with varying levels of insulin (like diabetics) may experience this often. When you’re experiencing sudden pangs of hunger, even when you’re eating at usual times and the average amount, it may be a good idea to check your blood sugar levels.

Excessive Urination

Another symptom diabetics may feel it is the need to pee often. Health website SymptomFind explains that the high amounts of sugar in your system can cause your kidneys to work harder than usual. This will then cause them to have to excrete toxins more.

Notice that you are continuously going to the bathroom more. It might be possible that you are experiencing a side effect of diabetes or prediabetes, and you should see a health professional to be assessed appropriately.

Increased Thirst

SymptomFind also highlights that along with excessive urination; diabetics may also experience a sudden increase in thirst. When people urinate more, they will become dehydrated, and their body will signal for them to drink more water. If the feelings of thirst persist despite drinking healthy amounts of water, it may be a cause for concern and worth a trip to your doctor.

Skin Discoloration

Aside from having internal manifestations, high blood sugar levels can also cause physical side effects. NDTV explains that one of the external manifestations is patches of discoloration on the skin as the increase of glucose in the bloodstream may cause damage to blood vessels, making them appear brown or darker. They can happen on the legs, neck, or even armpits.

Visiting a dermatologist can give you more insight as to why this is happening.

Fatigue

With their bodies working overtime and having to overcompensate, diabetics and prediabetics can often feel constantly tired. They may also experience this because their bodies can’t process glucose properly and therefore do not have enough energy throughout the day. Though fatigue does not always mean you might have diabetes, if you experience it together with other symptoms, it might be time to seek some help.

Type 2 diabetes can develop into a severe problem, but it can be reversed if found early and addressed adequately. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, go to a professional so that you can rule out the possibility of developing the illness.