Understanding Long-Term Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has been called adult onset diabetes, environmentally related diabetes and even non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. No matter what label you place on type 2 diabetes, the simple truth is that the symptoms may be overlooked since they're not well-publicized. Here are some things you need to know about type 2 diabetes symptoms.

Eyes

• Long-term diabetes can result in the weakening of your eyesight and long-term damage to your eyes. Diabetics that have had their blood sugar on control for long periods of time may discover that they don't see as well and may develop a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, where tiny blood vessels on the retina may burst leading to loss of vision. Major symptom of diabetic retinopathy are additional blood vessels in the retina.

Heart

• The strain of high blood sugar appears to be related to the deposit of plaque in the major blood vessels, and can lead to blockages. Depending on the location of the blockage, this can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Weight

• Because diabetes affects the way your body processes food, diabetics must be extremely careful about their diet or face additional strain on their body from excess weight gain from improper food processing.

Thirst

• One of the earliest symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be an onset of dry mouth or a desire to drink more fluids. Diabetics often find that they are thirsty all the time and wake up in the morning with severe dry mouth.

Healing

• Many long-term diabetics find they have reduced circulation to the extremities, especially the hands and feet. Because there is reduced circulation, these areas often have trouble healing and an open wound on the foot can easily become gangrenous.