5 Common Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

Did you know that most people in America who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes? In fact, over 95% of all diabetes cases are this acquired type, which develops due to a combination of lifestyle factors and a predisposition to the disease.   

Your body uses the foods you eat as energy to function by converting them to glucose (blood sugar). It makes the hormone insulin to unlock cells and let glucose in to either burn as energy or store for later use. 

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t use the insulin it produces. This causes your blood sugar levels to rise, triggering many serious health concerns. It can even lead to coma or, in severe cases, death. 

At Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah, our team of medical providers offers help for patients struggling with type 2 diabetes. It’s best to catch this disease early, when it’s easiest to manage and the least damage to your body has occurred.

To protect your long-term health, keep reading to learn five common signs of type 2 diabetes and the ways we help you manage this serious condition.    

Signs that you could have type 2 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes usually experience the onset of symptoms all at once. But for patients with type 2 diabetes, the onset of diabetes symptoms is usually gradual. 

It’s important to know the early signs of the disease so you can take steps to reverse it as soon as possible. Keep in mind that these symptoms may be very mild at first. 

1. You’re drinking more but still feel thirsty (and you have to urinate a lot)

With type 2 diabetes, your kidneys keep trying to flush the excess blood sugar out of your system. This can make you feel like you have to pee a lot more than normal. 

This can also cause you to get dehydrated — even when you’re drinking water regularly. So if you’re feeling thirsty, notice you have a very dry mouth, and have to urinate a lot more than normal, diabetes could be the cause.  

2. You feel hungry all the time

Type 2 diabetes causes your body to be unable to use the insulin you have to store glucose. As time goes on, these cells don’t have enough energy to work the way they should. 

As a result, they send a signal to your body that you need more fuel. This can make you feel hungry all the time — even when you’re eating enough food. This condition, called polyphagia, is a common sign of type 2 diabetes.  

3. You’re having issues with your vision

Diabetes causes frequent changes in your blood sugar levels. When this happens, it affects your eye lenses, making it hard for them to bend. 

As a result, you might notice issues with your vision. For example, your vision may get distorted and things can seem blurry. See a doctor right away if this happens since, if treated early, diabetes-related vision issues can be reversed. 

4. You’re tired and don’t have energy

If you’re feeling tired, exhausted, or like you have no energy — even when you’re getting enough sleep — type 2 diabetes could be the reason. This is because type 2 diabetes causes your body to struggle to use the energy the foods you eat provide.  

6. Your feet and hands are bugging you

Chronically high blood sugar damages your nerves and blood circulation — especially in the areas far away from your heart. As a result, it’s common for people with type 2 diabetes to develop peripheral neuropathy, a nerve condition. 

Peripheral neuropathy can cause frustrating symptoms in your hands and feet, including pain, tingling, burning or cold sensations, and even numbness. Without treatment, this condition gets worse and can lead to amputation. 

How we help you manage type 2 diabetes

It’s possible to manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes if you address and treat the condition early. If you wait until your type 2 diabetes reaches later stages, you may struggle with long-term health problems. 

At Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours, our providers specialize in managing type 2 diabetes. While some people with type 2 diabetes may need medication, most personalized treatment plans involve making key lifestyle changes. 

These changes help you manage and reverse your condition — sometimes without the need for any medications. Your type 2 diabetes management plan will include steps such as:

• Tracking your blood sugar levels and related numbers (e.g., A1C)
• Increasing physical activity 
• Getting regular exercise
• Making changes to your diet
• Losing weight 
• Quitting smoking and tobacco products
• Avoiding alcohol and other sugary drinks 

Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at Wasatch Peak Family Practice & Oceans Contours in Layton, Utah, to learn more about type 2 diabetes.