What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus are as varied as they are unpleasant. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in this post, it would be advisable to seek medical attention.

For example, one might notice an increase in urination. A hallmark feature of type 2 diabetes is an elevated glucose (sugar) level in the blood. When blood glucose levels are high, the kidney struggles to filter the excess glucose out of the urine. The urine thus contains more glucose than it should, and this leads to higher volumes of fluid leaving the body through the urine. This is often accompanied by an increase in thirst. Sometimes the fluid losses from the urine are so great that it can lead to weight loss. To be clear, developing type 2 diabetes as a way to lose weight is dangerous, ill-advised, and should never be pursued.

Additionally, type 2 diabetes makes it difficult for the body’s organs to receive dietary fuel in the form of glucose. And when the body’s organs aren’t getting the energy they need to perform as they should, this can lead to fatigue and hunger.

Type 2 diabetes also makes it harder for the body to heal. This can lead to more frequent infections and slow-healing wounds.

Elevated blood glucose levels from type 2 diabetes can lead to blurry vision. Vision can improve as blood glucose levels decrease.

As if all the above weren’t enough, sometimes type 2 diabetes can lead to very severe dehydration and a significant impairment of one’s ability to think and speak clearly. And yes, while any of the above symptoms warrant seeking medical attention, these particularly worrisome symptoms warrant seeking medical attention immediately.

Learn more about reversing diabetes through nutrition.