How to Know if You Have Type 2 Diabetes?

How to Know if You Have Type 2 Diabetes?

In the Unites States, over 30 million people are affected by diabetes, of whom 90%-95% have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms usually are not noticeable instantly and can take several years to develop. In fact, there are often no signs at all. This is why it is important to be aware of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, to ensure early identification and treatment.

Is it Type 2 Diabetes?

The most common early symptoms of diabetes include:

1. Blurred Vision

Increased levels of glucose in the blood can cause trouble in focusing. The lens of the eyes swells up and the little blood vessels of the retina get damaged. This blurs your vision and you will find yourself frequently rubbing and blinking your eyes to get a clear view.

2. Abnormal Weight Loss

Frequent urination causes the good calories to drain out of the body. In the process, you start losing weight, even if you are on a healthy diet plan.

3. Fatigue

Glucose is the main energy source of the cells. When the body is unable to absorb enough sugar, you start feeling worn out, weak and sleepy. So, one of the most prominent type 2 diabetes symptoms is that you feel exhausted easily.

4. Sores and Infections

The body is unable to heal when there is insufficient blood flow to various parts. Therefore, cuts, bruises and sores take longer than usual to heal. This leads to long term infections. The skin can also get itchy and rough over time.

5. Foot Problems

Peripheral neuropathy is a common occurrence in uncontrolled diabetes. You become prone to burning, tingling and painful sensations in the feet. There could be sudden cuts, flakiness, sores, blisters and callouses. These wounds take a long time to heal and might lead to serious abnormalities.

If your sugar levels have been high and you have taken no step to reverse diabetes, there would be many noticeable symptoms. These include dark patches on your skin, fungal infections coupled with irritation, eye diseases and nerve damage.

Get Yourself Tested
To make sure that you are free of type 2 diabetes, you need to go for medical screening. Blood tests will include fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, random blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C test. In case the results show that the sugar level is abnormally high, you will need to undergo further tests for more precise results. If the diagnosis is positive, make sure you opt for the latest diabetes treatments. Apart from this, you will need to make some changes in your lifestyle. This can improve the test results and help you manage the condition on a daily basis. Take help of your dentist, foot doctor, eye specialist and a registered dietician to help you through the journey.

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