Introduction
If you’re concerned that you may have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you manage your diabetes and stay healthy. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of type 2 diabetes and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid. We’ll also provide some advice from physicians on how to manage your diabetes and stay healthy. By understanding the signs of type 2 diabetes and making the right dietary choices, you can help keep your diabetes under control.
Signs You Have Type 2 Diabetes, Say Physicians
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Knowing the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes is important for detecting and managing the condition. Here are some signs that physicians say could indicate you have type 2 diabetes.
Frequent Urination
One of the most common signs of type 2 diabetes is frequent urination. This is because the body is trying to rid itself of excess sugar in the urine. If you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more often than usual, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes.
Increased Thirst
Increased thirst is another common sign of type 2 diabetes. This is because the body is trying to replenish the fluids it is losing through frequent urination. If you find yourself feeling unusually thirsty, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes.
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is another sign of type 2 diabetes. This is because the body is not able to use the sugar in the blood for energy, so it starts to break down fat and muscle for energy instead. If you are losing weight without trying, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common sign of type 2 diabetes. This is because the body is not able to use the sugar in the blood for energy, so it has to work harder to do everyday tasks. If you are feeling unusually tired, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes.
Eat This, Not That
If you think you may have type 2 diabetes, it is important to make changes to your diet. Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar and processed foods can help manage the condition. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can also help. Avoiding sugary drinks and processed snacks can also help manage type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Medical Association, 34 million adults in the U.S. have diabetes, and type 2 diabetes—which is directly attributable to unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices—comprises more than 90% of those cases. Experts say that’s a public health crisis in the making: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, blindness, even amputation. But Type 2 diabetes is treatable. If you have it, making healthier choices and following your doctor’s advice for treatment can manage or even reverse the condition. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
A common early symptom of diabetes is having to urinate more often than usual. You might even have to get up in the middle of the night more often to go. The reason: Diabetes causes blood sugar to rise to an excessive level, and the body tries to flush out the excess by increasing urine production.
The same process that causes frequent urination can cause you to feel constantly thirsty. As excess blood sugar leaves the body, it pulls water from the body’s surrounding tissues along with it, making you feel dehydrated. You may find yourself drinking more water but less able to satisfy your thirst. If that happens, talk with your doctor.
If you have very dry or itchy skin, wounds that are slow to heal or won’t heal, or have more infected wounds than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes. Dehydration can cause skin to dry out or itch. Blood vessels damaged by the disease can impair circulation, delaying wound healing, particularly on the feet, says the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Diabetes increases the level of sugar in the bloodstream but actually prevents cells from using that glucose for energy. As muscles are deprived of energy, you might feel constantly tired or hungry. Your body may start to burn fat stores for energy, causing you to lose weight without trying.
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High blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the feet, legs, hands and arms. The symptoms—which can include tingling, burning, numbness, decreased sensitivity to pain, or cramps—tend to get worse at night.
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Blurry or double vision can indicate a condition called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can distort the lenses in your eyes, causing vision to become blurry. Diabetes can also cause blood vessels in the retina to leak, or abnormal new blood vessels to grow, leading to vision problems.
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