Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.
But with early detection of diabetes and treatment, the risk of developing
diabetes-related complications can be reduced.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor right away!
- Frequent infections
- Blurred vision
- Dry, itchy skin
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Problems with sexual function
- Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
- Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
Common symptoms of high blood sugar:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained infection
- Heavy breathing
Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they may have "prediabetes"
which means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not
high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Long term damage to the body,
especially the heart and circulatory system, may be occurring during prediabetes.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent or delay the development
of type 2 diabetes.
No Symptoms? You May Be At Risk For Developing Diabetes
Some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.
You May be at Risk for diabetes if you:
- Are over the age of forty
- Are African American, Pacific Island, Hispanic or Native American
- Have family members who have diabetes
- Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Are not physically active
- Are overweight
- Have an A1C level more than 5.7% (A1C is a blood test)
- Have a fasting blood glucose level of 100-125 mg/dL or non-fasting level
of 140- 199mg/dL
- Have a HDL cholesterol level less than 35 mg/dL
- Have a triglyceride level more than 250 mg/dL
- Are a women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Have a history of cardiovascular disease in your family
With education, physical activity, medication and monitoring you should
be able to reduce your risk for health problems and successfully manage
your type 2 diabetes. The Allen Diabetes Center can assist you on your
way to healthy living. The Center has one of the largest diabetes education
programs in Orange County and offers dietitians and educators certified
for all major continuous glucose monitoring sensors (CGMS) and major insulin
pumps. The Center also offers free
educational and support classes for the community on topics including nutrition, cooking, exercise and
psychosocial support. Our
diabetes self-management classes or individual appointments will help patients learn to live successfully
with diabetes by managing diet, physical activity and medications, all
of which will help avoid complications and lead to a healthier life. Also,
the Center offers its
Sweet Success program to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby, as it is essential
to carefully manage diabetes during pregnancy.