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Last updated on October 13th, 2023
Type 2 Diabetes is more common in adults, and 1 in every 10 adults across the globe has this diabetes. 90% of the people having diabetes with Type-2 Diabetes. The good news is that diabetes can be reversed. Reversal requires proper care, exercise, diet plan, and medication.
The key step in Type-2 diabetes is its early detection and proper management. Read this article to gain details on type 2 diabetes symptoms and more. Firstly, let’s understand what is type 2 diabetes.
What Is Type-2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a health condition where your body has trouble using the sugar from food for energy. It happens when your body can’t use a hormone called insulin properly. This can lead to high sugar levels in your blood, causing various health problems if not managed. To understand Type-2 Diabetes, one needs to understand the role of Glucose and the need for Insulin.
Read More: Is Type 2 Diabetes Curable/Reversible?
Role of Glucose And Insulin
The food we eat is converted into Glucose. Glucose also comes into our body from the liver. The liver has stored glycogen, which it converts into glucose.
Glucose enters our bloodstream. Through blood, it enters body cells. Cells use glucose in the process of cellular respiration to release energy. Thus, Glucose is the source of energy for our body.
The bloodstream glucose enters the cells with the help of insulin.
Summary
Cells need glucose. Glucose is in the bloodstream. Insulin in the bloodstream helps glucose to enter cells.
Pancreas And Insulin
As glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas gets triggered to produce insulin. Insulin in the bloodstream now helps the glucose to enter cells. Sugar levels drop in the blood. Pancreas reduces the insulin production.
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Reasons For Type-2 Diabetes And How It Starts?
Read the steps below to understand the type 2 diabetes symptoms and how Type-2 Diabetes occurs:
In type-2 diabetes, glucose absorption into the cells decreases due to the insulin resistance of cells.
This causes glucose accumulation in the bloodstream.
- Due to high glucose levels in the bloodstream, insulin production increases.
- Insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas become weak. Due to this, it is unable to make more insulin.
- The body cells now become resistant to insulin. Due to this, glucose levels shoot up.
Thus, the blood sugar levels increase, and over time, the high sugar impacts your circulatory system and nervous system. However, insulin Resistance can be reversed by regular exercise and eating nutrient-rich food, as suggested by fitness and diet coaches. Once the production of Insulin is regularised, your blood sugar levels will also normalise. And slowly all type 2 diabetes symptoms will start disappearing.
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Early Signs of Type 2 Diabetes
Having high blood sugar levels is an early sign of diabetes but it does not necessarily mean you have diabetes. Our body exhibits a warning prodrome known as pre-diabetes symptoms. These are the early signs of type-2 diabetes.
Knowing these type 2 diabetes symptoms can be advantageous as it can help in diabetes reversal. If left untreated, it can lead to type 2 diabetes.
But firstly, how would one get to know if they have prediabetes? Let’s understand.
Read More: Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes
How To Know Whether We Are Pre-Diabetic?
The solution lies in early monitoring of your blood sugar levels, only then one can avoid diabetes mellitus symptoms. Other than diabetes mellitus symptoms, one can get the following tests done to check for diabetes:
- Normal blood sugar levels: Normal blood sugar levels are less than 100 mg/dL after fasting (not eating) for at least eight hours. And blood sugar level should be less than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating.
- Abnormal blood sugar levels: Abnormal blood sugar levels, for adults, are more than 130 mg/dL before a meal (fasting) and more than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.
- Pre-diabetic blood sugar levels: Unless you don’t have risk factors like obesity, a genetic history of diabetes, and other health ailments, a blood sugar level from 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L ) is an indication of pre-diabetes.
- Blood sugar levels above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) are an indication of Type-2 diabetes.
People with insulin resistance and pre-diabetes are most likely to develop diabetes, and due to a sedentary lifestyle – the situation may worsen (and diabetes mellitus symptoms also get frequent). One can reverse diabetes naturally by adopting healthy eating, sleeping, workout routine, and improvising other habits that affect blood sugar levels.
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Summary
Blood sugar levels above 180 mg/dL are abnormal and require further investigation. A positive approach and constant motivation towards reversing diabetes with the help of certified coaches are helpful in reaching and holding onto normal blood sugar levels for life.
Main Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of Type-2 diabetes develop slowly over a longer period. Once you enter into the diabetes phase, you will notice the following signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus:
- Polydipsia – Increased thirst feeling
- Polyuria – Frequent urination desire
- Fatigue
- Hyperphagia – Excessive hungry feeling
- Blurred vision
- Unintended weight loss
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Slow-healing sores
Ignoring these signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus can be dangerous. As one may end up with the undermentioned chronic symptoms of Diabetes, like –
- Yeast infections (candidiasis)
- Tingling or numbness in the feet
- Acanthosis Nigricans (dark skin patches under armpit, neck, thighs)
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Foot pain or foot ulcers
In order to avoid type 2 diabetes symptoms leg pain and seriousness, you should make necessary lifestyle changes with the guidance of experts like Diet Coaches, Fitness Coaches, and diabetologists. These certified experts will help you attain normal blood sugar levels and reverse diabetes naturally without medication and supplements, ultimately eliminating signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes In Women
While type 2 diabetes symptoms are generally similar in both men and women, some symptoms may be more commonly experienced or have specific implications for women. Some of these symptoms of type 2 diabetes in women are as follows:
Yeast Infections: One of the common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes is yeast infections. Women with diabetes may be more prone to yeast infections, such as vaginal yeast infections.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common symptoms of type 2 diabetes in women is PCOS. It is a condition that can be associated with insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. It can cause irregular periods, fertility issues, and changes in hair growth.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Some women with diabetes may have an increased risk of UTIs due to elevated blood sugar levels.
Sexual Dysfunction: Another one in the list of symptoms of type 2 diabetes in women is sexual dysfunction. Diabetes can affect sexual health, leading to issues like reduced libido or difficulty with arousal and orgasm.
It’s important to note that these type 2 diabetes mellitus symptoms or conditions can vary among individuals, and not all women with diabetes will experience them. Regular check-ups and diabetes management are essential for maintaining overall health and eliminate type 2 diabetes mellitus symptoms.
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Childhood Diabetes Type 2 Symptoms
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children are similar to those in adults, but they may be more subtle or go unnoticed. Common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): Children with diabetes may be excessively thirsty and drink more fluids than usual.
Frequent Urination (Polyuria): They may need to urinate more frequently, both during the day and at night.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating regularly, a child with type 2 diabetes might lose weight.
Fatigue: They may feel unusually tired or weak, which can affect their daily activities and concentration.
Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can cause temporary changes in vision.
Slow Healing: Cuts, bruises, or infections may take longer to heal.
Darkened Skin Patches: Some children may develop dark, velvety patches of skin called acanthosis nigricans, often around the neck, armpits, or groin.
It’s important to note that not all children with type 2 diabetes will experience these first signs of type 2 diabetes, and they can vary in severity. Some children may have no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular check-ups and screening are crucial, especially for those at higher risk due to family history, obesity, or other factors.
If you suspect your child may have diabetes or notice any of these childhood diabetes type 2 symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent worsening of childhood diabetes type 2 symptoms & complications, and promote a healthy life.
Read More: Are Sugar Free Biscuits Safe for Diabetics?
Mental Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Above are the visible physical symptoms. But diabetes has an impact on your mental health as well. 1000s of patients complain about issues like stress, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Impacts of diabetes on the mental health condition of a person:
- Diabetes Distress – A condition when a person feels irritated, defeated, or depressed by diabetes. This occurs when you feel tense about how this disease is going to impact your life.
- Burnout– Getting angry frequently. This happens when you stop taking your medications on time, skip insulin doses, and lose your hope of controlling diabetes. Constant follow-ups and reminders with regular mediation can help you get rid of your anger issues.
- Mood swings – Fluctuations in blood sugar levels result in negative moods like aggression and irritability. A high glucose level leads to difficulty in coordination and decision-making ability of a person.
- Stress and depression – Depression makes it difficult to manage diabetes. The stress of getting back to normal weight, enjoying a better and healthy life, expenses for the treatment of this disease, and more can come in your way of maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Under stress, you won’t be able to stick to your treatment plan. If you notice symptoms like changes in sleep patterns, anger, trouble in concentration, etc., then you must consult a mental health professional right away.
Over 10,000 patients have spoken to our Diabetes experts over consultation calls, and many were surprised to know that diabetes can be reversed naturally. Diet coaches, fitness coaches, diabetologists, and other healthcare experts, provide you with personalized, sustainable solutions.
Read More: Why Choose Breathe Well-Being for Diabetes Reversal?
Summary
Diabetes impacts mental health and can cause mood swings, stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular exercises and proper treatment can help you to overcome it.
Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes
Certain factors which aggravate the risk of type 2 diabetes include:
- Family history / Heredity – If one of your family members has diabetes, then the chances for you to acquire diabetes increase.
- Obesity – Abdominal fat triggers the fat cells to release pro-inflammatory chemicals, which affect the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
- Ethnicity – People belonging to ethnic groups like Hispanic/ Latino Americans, African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Alaska natives have a higher chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome / PCOS (formation of cysts on the ovaries) – Women with PCOS have an increased risk of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes.
- Age – The probability of getting type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45 years. Reversal is possible at any age. One of our recent achievers is Mr. Veerabhadra Rao, 64, who has successfully reversed diabetes and is enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
- Gestational diabetes – Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to get type 2 diabetes.
- Sedentary lifestyle – A major cause of weight gain which can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes. However, staying active increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and lowers insulin resistance.
- Insulin resistance – Due to insulin resistance, the body cells are unable to use insulin effectively, which increases the blood sugar level in the blood and can lead to type 2 diabetes.
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Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis: How To Test For Type 2 Diabetes?
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help in the early detection of Type-2 diabetes.
The doctor shall ask for a blood test. Generally, for diagnosing type-2 diabetes, doctors may ask for 2 days of regular blood samples. The tests carried out are:
- A1c – This test checks average levels of glucose for the past few months.
- Fasting plasma glucose – This test requires you to fast and have an empty stomach. Fasting of at least 8 hours before the test is required. For measuring blood sugar levels, a blood sample is drawn.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) – Blood sugar levels are again measured, after 2 hours of eating.
Blood sugar levels above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) are an indication of Type-2 diabetes.
Read More: Know What A1c Test Measures, Conversion Calculator, Ranges & Tips
Complications of Type-2 Diabetes
Complications of diabetes are worse the than the beginning signs of type 2 diabetes. If ignored or left untreated type-2 diabetes can impact badly on the body. It can impact many organs like the heart, kidney, liver, and eyes and can damage nerves. Some serious complications of type-2 diabetes are:
- Damaging blood vessels
- Nerve damage especially in limbs and foot
- Heart diseases
- Kidney diseases
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Eye damage and loss of vision
- Hearing impairments
- Dementia- reduced memory
It’s better to enroll in a Diabetes Reversal Program before things become worse. Education Webinar will help you understand why and what you will be eating, why only walking or playing a sport is not making you fit? What lifestyle modifications are required to normalize your blood sugar levels? And many such questions running in your mind will be answered.
Read More: Can You Get Diabetes From Drinking Too Much Water?
Conclusion
Diabetes can be treated easily. All it requires is regular monitoring of your body signs, proper lifestyle, and proper treatment. If you notice any diabetes signs, consult the doctor immediately. Get your blood glucose level checked. This immediate action will protect you from the dreadful result of diabetes complications.
However, your constant hard work and determination can reverse the Diabetes cycle in the long run. The following healthy changes will prove that you are on the right track to Diabetes Reversal:
- Your blood sugar level remains normal for a long duration.
- Having a healthy lifestyle.
- You are off Insulin and other medications.
You just have to eat right, sleep tight, worry less, work out more and you will be fine for the rest of your life!
Read More: Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Toddlers
FAQs
What is diabetes type 2 caused by?
What is the first stage of diabetes?
The first stage of diabetes is often characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. At this stage, a person may not experience noticeable symptoms, but early detection through blood tests can identify prediabetes, a warning sign of potential type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can often prevent progression to full diabetes.
Who is a risk of type 2 diabetes?
People at risk for type 2 diabetes include those with a family history of diabetes, overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet high in sugar and processed foods, high blood pressure, and certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Asian). Age, especially over 45, is also a risk factor.
How do I know if I’m diabetic?
To determine if you have diabetes, look for common signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, or tingling in extremities. If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for blood tests and a definitive diagnosis. Early detection and management are essential.
What are the first warning signs of type 2 diabetes?
The first warning signs of type 2 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, and tingling or numbness. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and diagnosis.
What about the life expectancy of a kid having type 1 diabetes?
Individuals who develop diabetes during early days may die up to 20 years sooner as compared to individuals without diabetes, as per some research findings by scientists in Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Do I need to take insulin therapy if I have type-2 diabetes?
Answer: It depends on your body’s metabolism and blood sugar levels. Doctors shall look into your condition to decide whether you need insulin therapy or not. Yes, some Type-2 patients take insulin therapy.
Can children suffer from type-2 diabetes?
Answer: Type-2 is mostly common in adults. But children having genetic history, obesity problems and a bad lifestyle also have type-2 diabetes.
How long the diabetes reversal lasts?
Answer: Studies have found that the type-2 reversal lasts for 10 years as long as they maintain the proper lifestyle and they do not gain more weight.
Can Type-2 diabetes be completely cured?
Answer: You can reverse to normal condition. But it requires early detection and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer
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