What Are the Warning Signs of Type II Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels become excessively high, either due to the pancreas producing inadequate insulin or the body failing to respond effectively to insulin's effects, giving it a progressive nature (1) and over time may lead to serious damage to vital organs (2), which is why early detection is crucial. This blog aims to raise awareness of the key warning signs and risk factors, encouraging proactive measures for early diagnosis and healthier lifestyle choices.
Signs and Symptoms
Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
Excessive thirst (Polydipsia) and frequent urination stem from elevated blood sugar levels. In diabetes, the body loses its ability to efficiently process sugars from food, leading to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. This heightened sugar level pushes the kidneys into overdrive as they struggle to filter and absorb the excess glucose.When the kidneys can no longer keep pace, the surplus sugar is excreted in the urine, carrying fluids from the body’s tissues. This fluid loss results in dehydration, triggering intense thirst. Drinking more fluids to satisfy this thirst, in turn, leads to increased urination (3).
Unexplained Weight Loss
When insulin is insufficient, cells cannot absorb glucose, causing it to accumulate in the blood. Deprived of glucose, the body perceives itself as being in a state of starvation and compensates by rapidly breaking down muscle and fat for energy. This process leads to sudden, unexplained weight loss. This can occur when diabetes is undiagnosed or when medications fail to control the condition’s symptoms adequately (4).Fatigue and weakness
Diabetes and fatigue share a bidirectional relationship (5), with elevated blood sugar levels interfering with the body’s capacity to efficiently use glucose. This disruption hampers the body’s ability to extract energy from food effectively, leading to an energy deficit that manifests as persistent fatigue. As individuals struggle to maintain their energy levels, they may find it increasingly challenging to perform daily tasks (6).
Blurred vision
High glucose levels can significantly impact vision. The fluctuation in blood sugar can alter fluid levels or cause swelling in the tissues of the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. This symptom can be particularly distressing, as it affects an individual's quality of life and may lead to further complications if left unaddressed. Regular monitoring and blood sugar levels management are essential for mitigating these effects (7).
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
One of the main reasons diabetic wounds heal slowly is due to impaired circulation. Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage blood vessels, leading to diminished blood flow, particularly to the extremities. When compromised, circulation to the wound receives fewer vital resources, delaying the healing process. This reduced blood flow hampers the body's ability to fight infection and support tissue repair at the wound site (8).
Acanthosis nigricans (Areas of dark skin)
Acanthosis nigricans is not a condition in isolation, and its potential complications rely on the underlying cause, such as excess insulin. When the body struggles to process glucose efficiently, it compensates by producing more insulin, which accelerates the reproduction of skin cells. In individuals with more pigmented skin, these new cells contain increased melanin, leading to darker patches that stand out against the surrounding skin (9).
Risk factors
Obesity
Obesity does not directly cause type 2 diabetes; however, it serves as a significant risk factor for the development of this complex metabolic disorder. Individuals who are obese or have excess weight often experience chronic low-level inflammation, which plays a crucial role in the onset of insulin resistance. This inflammation can disrupt normal metabolic processes and further complicate health.
Additionally, increased body weight has been shown to diminish the body’s sensitivity to insulin, thereby hindering its ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. As insulin sensitivity decreases, the pancreas must work harder to produce adequate insulin, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels over time (10).
Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, as it substantially diminishes the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels effectively. The lack of physical activity disrupts the normal processes of glucose metabolism, which makes it increasingly difficult for cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream adequately.
This impairment in glucose uptake can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, further increasing the risk of developing diabetes and its associated complications over time (11).
Family history of diabetes
The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes significantly increases with the number of family members affected by the condition. If one or both parents have type 2 diabetes, the risk is about two to four times higher (12).
Age and ethnicity consideration
The risk of Type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45. However, some ethnic groups are more susceptible to developing diabetes at younger ages. For example, Black African, African Caribbean, and South Asian individuals are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes from as early as age 25. Studies show that these groups are more likely to develop the disease compared to white populations. Age and ethnicity with other risk factors, make early screening essential (13).
Health conditions
Other health conditions particularly, hormone-related disorders such as acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome, can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in affected individuals. These conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of hormones that regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, the long-term use of certain medications, including those prescribed for HIV/AIDS and corticosteroids, may also contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes. It is essential for individuals taking these medications to monitor their health closely and consult healthcare providers about potential risks (14).
The Importance of Regular Screening
More than one-third of type 2 diabetes patients are not aware that they have the disease, a condition posing major health hazards. Since type 2 diabetes often comes without symptoms, early screening becomes critical to help individuals avoid more serious complications. For example, recurrent hyperglycemia is associated with prolonged organ impairments involving the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and the heart.
The reality is that type 2 diabetes can be largely prevented by lifestyle changes. For the most part, people who eat a high-fibre diet tend to weigh less and have fewer calories than those eating low-fibre diets, they can reduce diabetes risk drastically. It also helps increase fruit and vegetable intake to get more health benefits. Studies have demonstrated that weight loss can greatly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and overall metabolic fitness (15).
To catch it early, the American Diabetes Association recommends people aged 45 and older be screened for type 2 diabetes each year. Screening is recommended for those younger than 45 who have significant risk factors. High-risk patients should be screened every 3-5 years while very high-risk individuals require yearly screenings to ensure their health is monitored closely. These steps can help to prevent complications and improve health outcomes (16).
Conclusion
Ultimately, identifying the early symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, and unexplained weight loss along with prevention strategies like a healthy diet, regular physical activity and proper management are crucial to catching the condition before it’s too late. If you have symptoms, get medical help quickly. Early detection can make all the difference.
Editor: Kateryna Kovalchuk
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