What Is Type 2 Diabetes? 

It is important to note that not all individuals with type 2 diabetes will experience these symptoms, and they may not appear until the condition has progressed. Therefore, it is essential to undergo regular screenings for diabetes and consult a healthcare provider if experiencing any concerning symptoms. 

Increased thirst and frequent urination: One of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. These symptoms occur due to the body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels, resulting in high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work to remove the excess glucose by filtering it out of the blood and into the urine. This process results in increased urine production, which can lead to frequent urination. 

As the body loses more fluids through urine, it can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst. This thirst is often accompanied by a dry mouth and a persistent feeling of needing to drink more fluids. 

According to the American Diabetes Association, individuals with untreated diabetes may urinate more than 7 times per day, with each urination producing more than 2.5 ounces of urine. They may also experience a persistent feeling of thirst and consume more than 3 quarts of fluids per day. 

Extreme hunger, also known as polyphagia, is a symptom commonly associated with type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by an increased appetite that is difficult to satisfy, even after a consumption of large amount of food. This symptom can be caused by the body’s inability to properly use glucose for energy, leading to a feeling of constant hunger. 

Among people with type 2 diabetes, the body may not produce enough insulin or become resistant to its effects, resulting in high blood sugar levels. The excess glucose in the bloodstream can cause hunger and cravings for food, as the body is unable to utilize the glucose for energy. 

Polyphagia can also be a result of dehydration caused by frequent urination, another common symptom of type 2 diabetes. The body may try to compensate for the lost fluids by increasing hunger signals, leading to overeating and subsequent weight gain. 

It is important to note that extreme hunger may not be the only symptom of type 2 diabetes and should be evaluated alongside other potential signs, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. 

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people with type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest or sleep. Fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors in people with diabetes, including insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, and a lack of physical activity. 

Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, in which the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause fatigue. In addition, people with type 2 diabetes may experience frequent urination, which can cause dehydration and also contribute to fatigue.  

Lack of physical activity can also contribute to fatigue in people with type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining blood sugar levels and overall health, but many people with diabetes may have difficulty engaging in physical activity due to other symptoms or complications of the disease. 

It is important for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and engage in regular physical activity to help reduce the symptoms of fatigue. Proper management of diabetes can also help prevent other complications of the disease. 

Blurred vision is a common symptom associated with type 2 diabetes. The high blood sugar levels associated with type 2 diabetes can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to blurry vision. In addition, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, which can also cause vision problems. 

According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. Approximately 40 to 45 percent of people with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy, and about 8 percent have advanced, vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. 

It is important for individuals with type 2 diabetes to have regular eye exams to monitor for any signs of diabetic retinopathy. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes have a comprehensive eye exam with dilation at least once a year. 

Slow-healing sores or frequent infections: People with type 2 diabetes may experience slow-healing sores or frequent infections. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause damage to blood vessels and impair the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, nerve damage, or neuropathy, commonly associated with diabetes, can affect the ability to feel pain, making it difficult to detect cuts, sores, or infections that can worsen over time. 

Slow-healing sores, particularly on the feet, can lead to serious complications such as ulcers, infections, and even amputations if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with diabetes are 10 times more likely to undergo lower-limb amputations than those without diabetes. 

Frequent infections, particularly of the skin, urinary tract, and yeast infections, are also common in people with diabetes. Women with diabetes are particularly susceptible to vaginal yeast infections. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are more prone to infections than those without diabetes due to high glucose levels that create a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal growth. 

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet: Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet is a common symptom experienced by people with type 2 diabetes. This symptom is caused by a condition called diabetic neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage that occurs due to high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. 

Diabetic neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. When these nerves are damaged, they can no longer function correctly, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. 

The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy is high in people with type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy. Furthermore, the risk of developing neuropathy increases with the duration of diabetes, with an estimated 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes experiencing some form of neuropathy after 10 years of having the condition. 

It is crucial for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels effectively to prevent or delay the onset of diabetic neuropathy. Good blood sugar control can also help to slow the progression of existing neuropathy and reduce the severity of symptoms.  

Dark patches on the skin: Dark patches on the skin, also known as acanthosis nigricans, are a common symptom in people with type 2 diabetes. These patches typically appear in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, neck, or under the breasts. 

The reason for the development of these dark patches is the excess production of insulin in the body. High levels of insulin cause the skin cells to reproduce rapidly, resulting in thickened, dark, and velvety skin. Insulin resistance, which is common in people with type 2 diabetes, also plays a role in the development of acanthosis nigricans. 

In addition to type 2 diabetes, acanthosis nigricans can also be caused by obesity, hormonal disorders, certain medications, and genetic factors.  

Weight loss is a less common symptom of type 2 diabetes, but it can occur in some individuals. The reason for weight loss is due to the body’s inability to properly use glucose for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body may become resistant to the hormone insulin, which normally helps the body use glucose from food for energy. When this happens, the body may not be able to get enough glucose from food, and instead begins to break down stored fat and muscle for energy. 

As a result of this breakdown of fat and muscle, people with type 2 diabetes may experience weight loss. In addition, if diabetes is not well-managed, high levels of glucose in the urine can lead to frequent urination, which can cause dehydration and further weight loss. 

Yeast infections are a common symptom experienced by people with type 2 diabetes. Yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which thrives in warm, moist environments like the mouth, skin, and genital area. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can create a favorable environment for Candida albicans to grow and multiply. This leads to an overgrowth of the fungus, resulting in symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with diabetes are more likely to experience yeast infections. In fact, women with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop vaginal yeast infections than women without diabetes. Men with diabetes can also experience yeast infections, typically in the form of balanitis, which causes redness, itching, and inflammation of the head of the penis. 

It is important for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to reduce the risk of developing yeast infections and other complications associated with diabetes. Proper hygiene practices can also help prevent yeast infections, such as keeping the genital area clean and dry, wearing breathable underwear, and avoiding douching or using scented products in the genital area.  

Dry mouth and itchy skin are two symptoms that may be experienced by individuals with type 2 diabetes. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva production, while itchy skin may be due to a lack of moisture in the skin. 

Reduced saliva production can be caused by high blood sugar levels, which can damage the salivary glands. Additionally, certain medications used to manage diabetes, such as antihistamines and diuretics, can also cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to a variety of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. 

Itchy skin, on the other hand, can be caused by several factors, including poor circulation, nerve damage, and dehydration. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to poor circulation and nerve damage. This can cause the skin to become dry and itchy. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Men with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience ED compared to those without diabetes. ED occurs when the blood vessels and nerves that control erection are damaged due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. 

The reason for ED in type 2 diabetes is related to the damage of small blood vessels and nerves that occurs with high levels of glucose in the blood. This damage can affect the blood flow and nerve function that are necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection. Additionally, men with type 2 diabetes may also have low levels of testosterone, which can contribute to ED. Men with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity, which can further increase the risk of ED. 

According to the American Diabetes Association, up to 50% of men with diabetes experience ED, compared to 20% of men without diabetes. It is also important to note that ED can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease in men with diabetes, and it should be taken seriously and treated promptly.