Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Management

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that develops in adults. It is the most common form of diabetes and it is referred to as adult-onset and non-insulin dependent diabetes. Diabetes can be a serious, life-threatening illness. Learning to recognize the common symptoms and signs will help you to control and manage this condition.

Common Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are feeling thirsty and frequent urination. These are both the result of too much sugar in the blood.

Other Symptoms

• There can be unexplained weight loss, since your body can not break down and store needed energy. Extreme hunger, fatigue and wounds that are slow to heal are other very common signs.

Less Common Symptoms

• People with type 2 diabetes may also experience visual disturbances, itchy skin, frequent bladder or vaginal infections, nausea and dry mouth.

Serious Symptoms

• More serious symptoms include abdominal pain, tremors, excessive sweating and excessive fatigue.

Complications

• If diabetes is left untreated, a person could end up with diabetic neuropathy, in which the diabetes attacks the nervous system. This can lead to tingling and feelings of numbness and muscle weakness. Diabetes that is not controlled can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys.