Type II Diabetes Symptoms
Type II diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting almost 90% of all people with diabetes. While it usually affects older adults, more and more younger people, even children, are getting Type II diabetes. In Type II diabetes, the pancreas makes some insulin but it is not produced in the amount your body needs and it does not work effectively. This form of diabetes can often be prevented and managed with healthy eating, natural supplements and regular physical activity.
Type II diabetes results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although there is a strong genetic predisposition, the risk is greatly increased when associated with lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, insufficient physical activity, poor diet and the classic ‘apple shape’ body where extra weight is carried around the waist.
Type II diabetes is often a subtle illness because symptoms can be gradual and go unnoticed. In some cases the symptoms are misdiagnosed until a more serious medical condition occurs, such as a heart attack. That’s why it’s very important to have blood tested regularly with one’s annual physical exam, and to take note of any of the following symptoms.
When the body has excess sugar in the blood, called “hyperglycemia“, it needs more water to remove the sugar resulting in:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
Sugar is a key energy source for our body. When sugar can not be properly processed in our cells, including brain cells, it can result in:
- Dry skin and brittle hair
- Increased fatigue (especially after meals)
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Less energy for our bodies can also weaken our immune system which can result in:
- Slow-healing wounds
- Lingering colds and flu conditions
- Recurrent yeast infections
Excess sugar can also badly impact our body’s nerves resulting in:
- Blurry vision
- Numbness (especially in the hands and feet)
- Nausea
- Impotence (in both men and women)
When the body removes too much sugar, the sugar level becomes too low, called “hypoglycemia“, which can result in:
- Extreme hunger
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
In addition, when sugar in the body can not be used or removed it is often converted to fat cells resulting in:
- Unexpected and unexplained weight gain
Diabetes is diagnosed with a simple blood test. To learn more about this process click Diabetes Care Tests