16 Warning signs of type 2 diabetes

Many people suffer from type 2 diabetes and don’t even know it. This is because some of the symptoms might not seem like much at first. But it is crucial to know what could be a warning sign.

Type 2 diabetes is a bigger danger than we often realise. Not only is the ailment itself a problem but it can also lead to various other serious health issues. If neglected, type 2 diabetes can lead to things like insulin resistance, heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Here are 16 warning signs that might tell you that you are already suffering from type-2 diabetes or are well on your way to it:

1. Constantly feeling thirsty. Due to the high blood sugar levels during diabetes, the body becomes dehydrated. This leaves you constantly feeling thirsty.

2. Always feeling hungry. People with diabetes often feel hungry even directly after a meal. This should be a big flashing warning light for people who don’t know they have diabetes.

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3. Constant dry-mouth. This is once again due to the dehydration caused by too much sugar. It leaves your mouth feeling dry the whole time.

4. Frequently urinating. This usually happens due to an increased water intake due to constantly being thirsty.

5. Unexplained weight loss. Some people might think this is a good thing – but it’s not. Losing weight even while eating more can be a serious sign of diabetes.

6. Feeling fatigued. This is more than just your normal tired feeling. This is when you feel run-down without even doing too much.

7. Blurry vision. High sugar levels in the body causes damage to the blood vessels. This also affects the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. The first sign of this is blurry vision but if it is not treated it can eventually lead to partial or even complete loss of sight.

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8. Persistent headaches If you constantly experience unexplained headaches, look out for some of the other symptoms. Headaches may be caused by various factors – but one of them is diabetes.

9. Occasional loss of consciousness. Although most people only associate this with low blood sugar, it can just as easily be caused by the high blood sugar levels due to diabetes.

10. Sores or cuts that take long to heal. You may notice sores or cuts that just don’t seem to heal. These are often found on the feet and legs.

11. Itchy skin. Especially around the groin or vaginal area.

12. Regular yeast infections. These are a common diabetes sign for women.

13. Fluctuating bodyweight. Struggling to keep a steady bodyweight can also be a common sign of diabetes.

14. Acanthosis nigricans. This is a skin condition where velvety dark skin patches appear in the neck, armpit, or groin area.

15. Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet. Poor blood circulation goes hand-in-hand with diabetes. One of the first signs of blood flow problems is when the limbs start to feel numb or tingling, and these sensations can later turn into pain.

16. Erectile dysfunction. This warning sign can be very embarrassing. However, it might very well be the signs that causes a man to look at the possibility that he might suffer from diabetes.

Are you having specific symptoms or do you have diabetes in the family? A good idea is to call your doctor and ask for a complete physical to rule out other causes for your symptoms. They should do all the necessary tests.

SOURCE: Pensioners Friend Anmanzimtoti