Many Americans have type 2 diabetes. Some people blame overeating or the obesity problem which plagues our population. Still others blame genetics because there does appear to be a genetic link. If your relatives have type 2 diabetes, you are at a greater risk of developing the condition later in your life. Instead of playing the blame game, let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, so you can know what to be on the lookout for. You might wonder if there is a point to knowing the symptoms. If you recognize the symptoms then it means you most likely already have it, so why know ahead of time? You’re stuck with it, right?
Actually that might not be the whole truth. If you recognize a few symptoms and visit your doctor promptly then you will be in a better position to combat the condition. If you catch it while it is still in the prediabetes stage, it might not ever fully develop into full blown type 2 diabetes. And if you work hard, and are consistent and persistent in your approach with your type 2 diabetes, it might even be possible to reverse the condition. These are good reasons to be able to identify the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
So what are the symptoms that you should you be looking for? A common symptom of type 2 diabetes is numbness. You may not associate numbness with diabetes, but it can be caused by the increase in blood sugar which accompanies diabetes. Numbness can occur in hands or feet, or both. It can start as annoying tingling but progresses over time to painful loss of sensation. If you have numbness, see your doctor.
Another common sign of diabetes is the need to urinate more often. It can feel like you are running to the bathroom hourly, and you may even think that you have a condition called overactive bladder. Some folks see their doctor because they suspect they have overactive bladder and they are seeking medication to fix it, when in reality the tests performed by a thorough doctor will reveal diabetes. Have you been running to the bathroom more often?
A telltale sign of diabetes is weight loss. It is more common in type 1, but can also be a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Have you experienced weight loss that cannot be explained by changes in exercise, nutrition, or illness? If so, it is time to bring it to your doctor’s attention.
Another symptom of type 2 diabetes is increased appetite, which contradicts the previously mentioned weight loss. But that can be how diabetes works. It tricks your brain into never feeling satisfied by the food you eat, and so it makes you feel hungry almost constantly. In terms of the weight loss, the diabetes burns through your muscle and your extra fat, and that’s not good for your body or health.
There are more symptoms which herald the presence of type 2 diabetes. If you recognize even one that has been mentioned above, it is time for an appointment. Pick up the phone and call your doctor today.