Type 2 diabetes is a long-term and insulin resistance disease, experienced by middle-aged or older people. According to studies, there are already 29 million people in the US suffering from this type of diabetes.
There is data, that shows another 84 million are at the prediabetes stage, meaning their blood sugar is high but not high enough to be diabetes yet.
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The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be so mild that you don’t notice them. About 8 million people who have it don’t know it.
There are seven tell-tale signs of high blood sugars (the defining factor of type 2 diabetes).
The charity Diabetes UK confirmed that one of the warning signs of type 2 diabetes is “going to the toilet a lot”.
Another indication of high blood sugar levels is feeling really thirsty, no matter how much you drink.
It may help to keep track if you’re drinking around two litres of water daily, and this includes tea and coffee.
If you are, and you still feel thirsty, then it’s time to book a doctor’s appointment – even during the pandemic.
Other signs of type 2 diabetes include:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeated thrush infections
- Cuts and wounds take longer to heal
- Blurred eyesight
NIH’s NIDDK advises anybody experiencing symptoms of diabetes to visit their doctor.
A simple blood test arranged by your doctor can diagnose the condition.
How do you know that you fit the risk profile?
- White and over 40 years old
- African-Caribbean and over 25 years old
- Black African and over 25 years old
- South Asian and over 25 years old
- Smokers
People with a close relative (parent, brother, sister or child) who has diabetes has more of a risk of developing diabetes themselves.
In addition, you’re more at risk of type 2 diabetes is you’ve ever had high blood pressure and if you’re carrying extra weight.
Women who had gestational diabetes in pregnancy are also at heightened risk of type 2 diabetes.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also have a heightened risk, as the condition is linked to insulin resistance.
Insulin is the key hormone secreted by the pancreas when blood sugar levels increase.
The release of insulin enables the sugar in the bloodstream to be absorbed by the body’s cells to be used by energy.
However, if the body’s cells become resistant to insulin (insulin resistant) then sugar will continue to build up in the bloodstream.
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Certain health conditions are also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, such as:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
Anti-psychotic medication can increase a person’s risk of high blood sugars.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle can also put you at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Even if you don’t fit the risk profile of someone who is likely to get type 2 diabetes, do speak to your Doctor if you’re having symptoms.