Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms (Mature Onset Diabetes)
Type 2 diabetes symptoms often go unnoticed for years and as a result many persons are walking around with the disease, but they are completely unaware of it.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be very difficult to spot as there are few symptoms, and those that occur are minor,and the condition worsens.
Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as ‘late onset diabetes’ as it usually occurs in men and women over the age of 40 years, although the condition is now also being seen in obese children, and is a rapidly increasing problem in the "western world". If unchecked it will lead to massive healthcare burdens, as too many people are overweight, which predisposes people to developing type 2 diabetes, especially when the excess weight is carried around the middle of the torso.
As mentioned above the symptoms are so minor and often go entirely unnoticed for years, however these type 2 diabetes symptoms are what you should be aware of:
• Infections, Rashes or Skin Irratations (itching) that are slow to heal.
• Tingling / Numbness of the feet.
• Excessive Thirst – this is an early indication that all is not well. It can of course be attributed to other factors but it is worth asking the doctor to check if this symptom is noticed.
• Frequent Urination – The extra water that you drink leads to urination. There may be a sweet smell to the urine indicating high sugar levels . There can be other health conditions that cause more frequent urination and they are all worth checking out.
• Blurred Vision - High blood glucose levels can damage the smaller blood vessels which in turn can cause damage to the sensitive structure of the eye. Any sudden changes in vision must be investigated promptly.
• Irritability
• Unusual Hunger - especially if this is accompanied by an unexplained weight loss .
• Tiredness or Lack of Energy - Easy to overlook as nowadays everyone is leading a busy life. However, it is worth investigating if it does not improve after a few days.
For type 2 diabetes sufferers, insulin is still produced by the pancreas, however it is being produced at a 'below normal' rate. type 2 diabetics have an Insulin Resistance which is an inherited characteristic that is compounded if the people are overweight or carry excessive body fat.
Because insufficient insulin is available for glucose to move from the blood stream into the body cells and the liver, excess glucose remains in the blood stream resulting in a higher than normal blood glucose level (BGL).
After several years of type 2 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas may become “exhausted” and produces less and less insulin. However, unless blood glucose levels are very high, no unusual symptoms may appear and few if any symptoms of diabetes may be present. As a result, many people with type 2 diabetes are not aware that they even have diabetes.
The first line of attack against Type 2 Diabetes is regular exercise and change in your diet. However, tablets and eventually insulin injections may be needed as the disease progresses.