Fatigue and Other Signs You May Have Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It affects how your body processes insulin. Unlike type 1, which has a genetic component, type 2 diabetes can be brought by lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes symptoms vary from person to person. 

There are many symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Constantly feeling tired is a common symptom, but here are additional signs of type 2 diabetes that you should monitor. 

Fatigue/Tiredness

As mentioned previously, your energy levels may decrease once you develop type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Foundation, individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 report feeling fatigued. This fatigue is a result of inadequate amounts of sugar moving from the blood into the cells. 

Blood sugar levels are always high when you have type 2 diabetes, but the sugar has a difficult time entering the cells. This causes the cells to work with less efficiency because they do not have the proper amount of energy. Because of this, a person with type 2 diabetes may feel tired all the time. 

Excessive Thirstiness 

People with type 2 diabetes often feel parched. This abnormal thirst is known as polydipsia and comes from too much sugar in your bloodstream. Your kidneys, a key part of the urinary system, are forced to work harder to rid your body of the extra sugar. This causes frequent urination, which is another early warning sign that you have type 2 diabetes. 

When you urinate all the time, your body loses a significant amount of water. To make up for the water loss, you feel a strong need to hydrate constantly. The urine and thirst cycle can become routine until blood sugar levels reach an acceptable balance. 

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision may be a sign that you have type 2 diabetes. Eye damage is one of the more common type 2 diabetes symptoms. Continuously high blood sugar levels will eventually cause water in the body to be sucked into the lens of the eye, which is an essential part of the human eye that focuses light and images into the rest of the eye. Small blood vessels in the eye may also be damaged. 

If you notice this symptom, you should see a doctor immediately. Permanent eye damage can occur if this issue is not resolved quickly. 

Constant Hunger

Along with chronic thirst, people with type 2 diabetes may feel hungry all the time. When cells cannot access the sugar from the bloodstream, it causes the cells to lose energy. To build up some energy, someone with type 2 may be perpetually hungry until blood sugar levels are back to normal. 

It does not matter how much or how recently you have eaten. If you have type 2 diabetes, you will often feel hungry because you are not getting enough energy from the food you have already eaten. 

Your Wounds Take a Long Time to Heal‍

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause nerve cells to work less efficiently. This damage leads to subpar blood circulation, which delays the blood from reaching and healing wounds or sores. The smallest of cuts and scrapes can take many days or even weeks to heal. 

Any of these signs can indicate that you may have developed type 2 diabetes. BASS Medical Group has a team of medical professionals with years of experience diagnosing type 2 diabetes. We can provide the proper treatment to keep your blood sugar levels stable. For more information about signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, visit our website or call us at (925) 350-4044.