Does anyone you know have type 2 diabetes? What signs and symptoms exist for type 2 diabetes? Find out the answer in this article.
One of the most widespread illnesses in the world, diabetes is characterised by a problem controlling the blood sugar level. Insulin resistance, which is the inability of the cells to respond to insulin as well as a lack of insulin secretion from the pancreatic cells, are characteristics of type 2 diabetes and make it difficult to control blood sugar levels.
What signs and symptoms exist for type 2 diabetes? The answer is in the following:
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Although there are different types of diabetes, they share most of the symptoms. Type 2 diabetes symptoms include:
- Vision blur: Cataracts, which are caused by the accumulation of sugar in the lens and its conversion to sorbitol, can cause vision blur.
- Fatigue and exhaustion: The early symptoms of diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases include fatigue and exhaustion.
- Frequent urination: Glucosuria, which causes osmotic diuresis, may be the cause of frequent urination.
- A high blood sugar level can cause excessive thirst because it causes frequent urination, which causes the body to lose fluids. To make up for this, the body stimulates the brain's thirst centres.
- Excessive hunger: Because the body is resistant to insulin, it cannot use sugar, which makes it feel as though it needs food to give it the energy it needs.
- Weight loss: When there is insulin resistance in the body, insulin is unable to transport glucose into the body's cells, which results in the breakdown of body proteins and fats.
- Numbness in the extremities: Diabetic neuropathy may cause numbness in the extremities.
- Velvety black or brown spots called acanthosis nigricans typically show up in the armpits or neck.
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
After discussing the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, we'll talk about how the condition is diagnosed.
A number of blood tests can be used to identify diabetes; typically, the test is conducted twice. To validate the test result, this is done. Among these examinations are the following:
1. Random sugar check
Regardless of when the patient last had a meal, the doctor randomly checks the patient's blood sugar level.
A fasting or cumulative glucose test may be required by the doctor to confirm diabetes if the blood sugar level is greater than or equal to 200 milligrammes per deciliter.
2. Fasting glucose test
The doctor checks the patient's sugar after fasting at least 8 hours. Following is an analysis of the findings:
- If your blood sugar level is under 100 mg/dL, you do not have diabetes.
- If your blood sugar is between 100 and 125 mg/dl, you are considered to be in the "pre-diabetes" stage.
- You have diabetes if your blood sugar level is greater than 126 mg/dl.
3. Sugar tolerance test
The doctor gives the patient a solution containing 75 grams of sugar after completing 8 hours of fasting, then the doctor checks the patient's blood sugar level two hours after drinking the solution. Following is an analysis of the findings:
- The patient is in the pre-diabetic stage if the result falls within the 140-199 mg/dl range.
- A patient is diagnosed with diabetes if the result is 200 mg/dL or higher.
4. Cumulative diabetes check
This test is used to measure the blood sugar level in diabetic patients over a period of several months. This test can be done without fasting. Following is an analysis of the findings:
- The patient is in the "pre-diabetic" stage if the result is between 5.7 and 6.4%.
- A score of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes in the patient.
Complications of type 2 diabetes
Patients with type 2 diabetes may experience a number of complications, some of which are listed below:
- Diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome.
- Diabetic retinopathy .
- Neuropathy.
- Diabetic nephropathy .
- Coronary artery disease.
- eye lens darkening.