7 Signs of Type 2 Diabetes You Cannot Ignore

In the United States, more than 30 million people are living with type 2 diabetes.

This is a big number, but since type 2 diabetes is one of the most common types it's safe to assume that there are more than 100 million people in the United States battling this disease, but they don't know it.

If you're wondering if you could be one of the many people that don't know if they have type 2 diabetes, we are here to help. Below we have created a list of the most common warning signs for undiagnosed diabetes.

Keep reading below to become aware and familiar with the warning signs.

First Things First: What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common forms of diabetes in the world. With this being said, it's also one of the most undiagnosed diabetes types.

When someone has type 2 diabetes it means that they have insulin resistance. This resistance means that their body does not use and produce insulin properly and their body can't get glucose into its cells. This can lead to high blood sugar and other health issues.

Below you will find the top 7 warning signs of type 2 diabetes. If you have noticed any of these warnings it would be best to schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

It's also important to keep in mind that everyone's body is different. Don't assume you do or don't have the disease. If any of the symptoms apply to you, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

1. Dramatic and Unwanted Weight Loss

When your cells don't get enough glucose it may cause you to lose weight because your body isn't getting the nutrition it needs. This can be due to frequent urination having you lose more calories and water than you take in.

2. Any Type of Numbness In Body

Those diagnosed with diabetes have issues with parts of their bodies such as feet, arms, hands, etc. This is because having a long time exposure to high glucose levels in the blood can lead to nerve damage.

If you notice any numbness, pain, or tingling in your body it could be an early stage of diabetes. Usually, this condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, will begin in the feet and work its way up. This condition will be more common in those that have let their diabetes go undiagnosed and untreated for many years.

3. Urinating More Frequently Than Usual Can Be a Sign of Undiagnosed Diabetes

When someone has type 2 diabetes this means there will be excess glucose in their blood. When this happens the kidneys will respond to this heightened level of glucose by flushing out of the blood and transferring it to the urine.

If there is a lot of glucose in your blood this can lead to urinating more frequently than you normally do. Even an increase in urinary tract infections (UTI) in men and women can be a sign of type 2 diabetes.

4. Being Thirsty All the Time and Not Able To Quench It

When there are high glucose levels in the blood it can cause you to become more thirsty than normal. This is due to urinating more frequently and can be looked at as a domino effect.

If you find that you have dry mouth more than you usually do or are feeling abnormally thirsty, these could be an undiagnosed diabetes symptom.

5. A Hunger You Can't Satisfy

Since those with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance their pancreas will overreact and begin producing more insulin than the body needs to try and compensate for the deficiency. When you have high insulin levels your body will notify your brain that you need food to create more insulin.

6. Important For Women: Frequent Infections and Feminine Health Issues

Elevated blood sugar levels cause yeast and bacteria to multiply at a quicker rate than if blood sugar levels are normal. This means that women are at a higher risk for feminine health issues due to the heightened yeast and bacteria levels.

These health issues can include yeast infections, bacterial infections, and vaginal thrush. If you've noticed that you're getting these issues more frequently than usual it is worth scheduling an appointment to be tested for type 2 diabetes.

7. Infections In the Foot

In both women and men that have prediabetes symptoms, feet infections can happen more often due to being at high risk. As stated above, elevated sugar levels in your blood cause bacteria to multiply at an alarming rate. This means that if you get a cut or wound on your foot, it can be almost impossible to heal it properly due to the multiplying bacteria.

Even though foot issues are usually seen in those that have diabetes later in life, it doesn't mean that it can't be a symptom of undiagnosed diabetes due to blood sugar being uncontrolled for years.

Now You Have a Better Idea of Undiagnosed Diabetes Symptoms

If you've noticed that you're urinating more often than usual, feeling hungry all the time, and not being able to quench your thirst, you may have type 2 diabetes. It's good to keep in mind that everyone's body is different, so you shouldn't assume you have the disease without getting tested.

Now, if you've noticed these symptoms don't assume you don't have type 2 diabetes. The best way to find out is to call your doctor and to make an appointment.

We hope that our top 7 undiagnosed diabetes symptoms will help you be more aware of the warning signs. For more information on health and prescriptions be sure to check out our website here.