Know the symptoms of type 2 diabetes for better management

Understanding the symptoms of type 2 diabetes enables you to manage them, notably through diet and exercise, the cornerstones of therapy for this metabolic disease. 

What are the features of type 2 diabetes? 

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when you have persistently high blood sugar (glucose) levels or hyperglycemia. It happens when your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin – a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells – or when your cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar, or both.

Healthy blood sugar ranges from 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If you have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, your levels are typically 126 mg/dL or higher. 

Without treatment, type 2 diabetes can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems, and cause various health problems, such as: 

• Heart disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Blindness 
• Amputation of lower limbs 
• Stroke 

Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of all cases of diabetes. It used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but it can begin during childhood and adulthood. Although more common in adults over 45, it is increasingly seen in children, adolescents, and younger adults due to rising levels of obesity, physical inactivity, and energy-dense diets. 

What are type 2 diabetes symptoms? 

Type 2 diabetes symptoms tend to develop slowly, over time. This is why you can be living with type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. When signs of type 2 diabetes are present, they may include: 

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Dry skin
• Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck
• For women: frequent vaginal yeast infections and/or urinary tract infections

If you have these type 2 diabetes symptoms, it is important to see your health care provider.  

What are the causes of type 2 diabetes symptoms? 

Type 2 diabetes symptoms are the result of two problems: 

• Cells in muscle, fat and the liver become resistant to insulin and thus, the cells don't take in enough sugar
• Your pancreas can't produce enough insulin to maintain a healthy blood sugar range 

If your body is not responding to insulin properly, your pancreas must make more insulin (hyperinsulinemia) to try to overcome your increasing blood glucose levels. If your cells become too resistant to insulin and your pancreas can’t make enough insulin to overcome it, it leads to type 2 diabetes symptoms. 

Being overweight and inactive are key contributing factors to type 2 diabetes. 

Several factors can contribute to insulin resistance, including: 

• Genetics 

• Excess body fat, especially in your belly and around your organs (visceral fat) 

• Physical inactivity 

• Eating frequently highly processed, high-carbohydrate foods and saturated fats 

• Certain medications, such as long-term corticosteroid use  

• Hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing syndrome 

• Chronic stress and a lack of quality sleep 

What are the risk factors of type 2 diabetes? 

As signs of type 2 diabetes typically appear slowly, it is important to see your health care professionals regularly if you are at risk. This way, they can do screenings to check on your blood sugar levels. It is better to detect type 2 diabetes earlier rather than later. You are more likely to experience signs of type 2 diabetes if you: 

• Have a family history: an individual's risk of type 2 diabetes increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes 

• Are older than 45 

• Have overweight or obesity (a BMI greater than 25) 

• Are physically active less than three times a week 

• Are Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander 

• Had gestational diabetes while pregnant 

• Gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kilograms 

• Have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol  

• Have prediabetes, which is a condition in which the blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Left untreated, prediabetes often progresses to type 2 diabetes

• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity

• Have a waist circumference above 101.6 centimeters for men and 88.9 centimeters for women

How do you manage type 2 diabetes symptoms? 

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well, and exercising can help manage the disease. If it is not enough to achieve a healthy blood sugar range, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended.

Indeed, you can manage type 2 diabetes symptoms by making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and seeing your health care provider for regular check-ins, to prevent or delay complications and maintain quality of life. 

Exercise to maintain a healthy blood sugar range 

Regular activity is important for everyone. It is even more important if you have signs of type 2 diabetes, because it allows you to: 

• Lower your blood sugar level without medication in the short term and long term 

• Use up glucose as energy 

• Make your cells more sensitive to insulin 

• Burn calories 

• Control weight 

• Improve blood flow and blood pressure 

• Increase your energy level 

• Boost your mood 

• Manage your stress 

Talk to your health care professional before starting any exercise program. You may need to take special steps before, during, and after physical activity, especially if you take insulin. The general goal is to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as a brisk walk, cycling, running or swimming. 

Eat healthy food 

A diet low in saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, high fructose corn syrup, and high in fiber and monounsaturated fats is encouraged. Focus on: 

• Lean proteins (chicken, eggs, fish, turkey) 

• Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli green beans, salad greens, cucumbers)

• Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, natural peanut butter, olive oil) 

• Complex carbohydrates (beans, berries, sweet potatoes, whole-wheat bread)

Check your blood sugar regularly 

Checking your blood sugar with a fingerstick and meter and/or using a continuous glucose monitor is crucial to managing type 2 diabetes symptoms and preventing complications.  

Take care of your mental health 

People with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have depression and are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than those without diabetes. Living with a chronic condition that requires constant care can be overwhelming. It is important to talk to a mental health professional if you are experiencing signs of depression and/or anxiety.