What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes leads to elevated blood sugar levels in individuals. Early signs of the condition include increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.

Type 2 diabetes is a widespread condition, affecting over 37 million people in the United States, with 90–95% of those diagnosed having type 2 diabetes.

The onset of type 2 diabetes can be gradual, and symptoms may be mild in the early stages, which can lead many individuals to be unaware that they have the condition.

In this article, we will explore the early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, the importance of early diagnosis, and the risk factors associated with developing this condition.

Early signs and symptoms

The early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

1. Frequent urination

When blood sugar levels are elevated, the kidneys attempt to eliminate the excess sugar by filtering it from the blood. This process can result in increased urination.

2. Increased thirst

The frequent urination required to eliminate excess sugar from the blood can lead to a loss of additional water from the body. Over time, this may cause dehydration, resulting in increased thirst.

3. Frequent hunger

Individuals with diabetes frequently do not obtain sufficient energy from their food.

The digestive system breaks down food into a simple sugar called glucose, which serves as fuel for the body. In people with diabetes, insufficient glucose moves from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.

Consequently, individuals with type 2 diabetes often experience persistent hunger, regardless of how recently they have eaten.

4. Fatigue

Type 2 diabetes can affect a person’s energy levels, leading to feelings of fatigue.

This diabetes-related fatigue results from inadequate sugar being transported from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.

5. Blurry vision

Excess sugar in the blood can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to blurry vision that may affect one or both eyes.

High blood sugar levels can also cause swelling of the eye lens, resulting in blurred vision, which typically improves once blood sugar levels are lowered.

If untreated, the damage to these blood vessels can worsen, potentially leading to permanent vision loss for individuals with diabetes.

6. Slow healing of cuts and wounds

Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the body’s nerves and blood vessels, impairing circulation. Consequently, even minor cuts and wounds may take weeks or months to heal, and slow wound healing can also heighten the risk of infection.

7. Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet

Elevated blood sugar levels can impair blood circulation and damage the nerves. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, this can result in pain or sensations of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

This condition, known as neuropathy, can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications if diabetes is not effectively managed.

8. Patches of darker skin

Patches of darker skin that develop in the folds of the neck, armpit, or groin can also be a result of diabetes. These patches may have a soft, velvety texture.

This skin condition is referred to as acanthosis nigricans.

9. Itching and yeast infections

Excess sugar in the blood and urine serves as nourishment for yeast, which can result in infections. Yeast infections commonly occur in warm, moist areas of the skin, including the mouth, genital regions, and armpits.

The affected areas are often itchy, and individuals may also experience burning, skin discoloration, and soreness.

Importance of early diagnosis

Recognizing the early signs of type 2 diabetes can enable individuals to receive a diagnosis and treatment sooner.

Receiving appropriate care, implementing lifestyle changes, and managing blood sugar levels can significantly enhance a person’s health and quality of life while reducing the risk of complications.

If left untreated, consistently high blood sugar levels can result in severe and potentially life-threatening complications, including:

• heart disease
• stroke
• nerve damage, or neuropathy
• foot problems
• kidney disease, which can result in a person needing dialysis
• eye disease or loss of vision
• sexual problems

Maintaining control over blood sugar levels is essential for preventing some of these complications. The longer blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled, the greater the risk of developing additional health issues.

Untreated diabetes [1] can also lead to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), which results in a severe and persistent rise in blood sugar levels. Typically, an illness or infection triggers HHS, which may necessitate hospitalization. This sudden complication is more common in older adults.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes

While anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, certain factors can elevate an individual’s risk. These risk factors include:

• being 45 years of age or older
• living a sedentary lifestyle
• having overweight or obesity
• eating an unbalanced diet
• having a family history of diabetes
• having polycystic ovary syndrome
• having a medical history of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke
• having prediabetes

Diabetes and ethnicity

The prevalence of diabetes varies among different races and ethnicities. According to the American Diabetes Association, the rates of diagnosed diabetes in adults across various groups are as follows: