Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious health problems. But in the early stages, type 2 diabetes doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. However, some people do experience signs and symptoms that can make them feel unwell.
What is type 2 diabetes?
With type 2 diabetes, your body develops insulin resistance, meaning your cells don’t respond normally to the insulin produced by your pancreas. Insulin is needed to transport glucose from your blood into your cells to be used for energy. When your cells don’t respond to insulin properly, glucose builds up in your blood (known as hyperglycemia).
Over time, the beta cells in your pancreas that produce insulin can wear out from having to produce more and more insulin to try to compensate. Eventually, your pancreas loses the ability to produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar at normal levels.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no signs or symptoms initially or for many years. But some people do experience symptoms that can affect how they feel:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Having excess glucose in your blood causes fluid to be pulled from your tissues. This may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink and urinate more than usual.
Increased hunger
Despite eating more, you still lose weight and feel hungry. This happens because your cells aren’t getting enough glucose for energy due to insulin resistance.
Fatigue
If your cells aren’t getting sufficient glucose, you may feel tired and lack energy.
Blurred vision
Elevated blood glucose levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus.
Slow healing cuts/bruises
Poor circulation and nerve damage caused by high blood glucose can make wounds heal slowly.
Tingling, pain, or numbness in hands/feet
Nerve damage from diabetes can cause uncomfortable sensations in your extremities.
| Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased thirst and frequent urination | Excess glucose causes increased fluid loss |
| Increased hunger | Cells aren’t getting enough glucose for energy |
| Fatigue | Cells aren’t getting enough glucose |
| Blurred vision | Fluid pulled from the lenses of the eyes |
| Slow healing cuts/bruises | Poor circulation and nerve damage |
| Tingling, pain, numbness in hands/feet | Nerve damage from high blood glucose |
How does uncontrolled diabetes make you feel bad?
Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause complications that may make you feel unwell in other ways, including:
Fatigue/weakness
Chronically high blood glucose causes your body’s cells to be starved for energy. This results in constant tiredness and lack of strength.
Nausea/vomiting
Without enough insulin, your cells can’t access glucose. Nausea and vomiting may occur as your body starts breaking down fat for energy instead.
Shortness of breath
High blood sugar levels can cause fluid buildup in your lungs, making breathing difficult.
Yeast infections
Elevated glucose levels promote yeast growth, which can lead to fungal infections of the skin, mouth, vagina, or penis.
Weight loss
Despite increased appetite and hunger, uncontrolled diabetes often causes unintended weight loss over time as your body is unable to properly use glucose for energy.
Abdominal pain
Nerve damage and muscle weakness caused by prolonged high blood sugar can result in stomach pain and discomfort.
| Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Cellular starvation | Fatigue, weakness |
| Ketoacidosis | Nausea, vomiting |
| Fluid buildup | Shortness of breath |
| Yeast infections | Itching, redness, discharge |
| Weight loss | Unintended weight loss |
| Gastroparesis | Abdominal pain, bloating |
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you, see your doctor. Be sure to get checked if you:
- Are very thirsty or having to urinate frequently
- Are losing weight without trying
- Have blurry vision
- Feel very tired
- Have tingling hands or feet
- Have frequent infections
- Have sores that won’t heal
Getting tested is important, as many people have no symptoms initially or for many years. Early treatment can help prevent complications.
Diagnostic tests
Your doctor may run the following tests to diagnose diabetes:
- A1C test: Measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
- Fasting blood sugar test: Measures your blood glucose after an 8-hour fast.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: Measures your blood glucose before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink.
- Random blood sugar test: Measures your blood glucose at a random time.
Treatments for type 2 diabetes
Getting treatment can help you feel better and prevent complications of diabetes. Treatment options may include:
Healthy lifestyle changes
- Following a healthy eating plan
- Being physically active
- Losing excess weight if needed
- Quitting smoking
Oral medications
- Metformin to reduce glucose production and increase insulin sensitivity
- Sulfonylureas to increase insulin secretion from pancreas
- DPP-4 inhibitors to increase insulin production
- SGLT2 inhibitors to lower blood sugar by removing glucose in urine
Injectable medications
- Insulin injections to improve glucose utilization
- GLP-1 agonists to increase insulin when blood sugar is high
Work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most effective treatment plan for your situation.
Prevention
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Try to:
- Choose whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins
- Limit processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats
- Stay active with at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise
- Get enough sleep and manage stress
- Keep weight in a healthy range
If you have prediabetes, taking these preventive steps can often normalize blood sugar levels before diabetes develops.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes can cause symptoms like increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing. Over time, uncontrolled high blood glucose leads to complications that can make you feel much worse.
See your doctor promptly if you have any worrying signs or symptoms. Getting diagnosed early and starting treatment can help you feel better and avoid serious health problems down the road.
Making healthy lifestyle changes and controlling blood sugar levels will allow you to manage diabetes while staying energized and feeling your best.