Adult-onset diabetes, also known as Type 2 diabetes, is an inability of the body to maintain a stable blood sugar level. In this disease, the body no longer responds to the insulin it produces or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain blood sugar stability. Some individuals with this disease require medication to offset the deficiencies, but others may be able to control blood sugar levels through changes in dietary and exercise habits.
Increased Thirst and Urination
Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, normally is released by the body in response to excess levels of sugar in the blood. In the case of Type 2 diabetes, the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin and aren't able to help bring sugar into the cells for use as energy. Excess sugar in the blood causes the body to draw water from its tissues to decrease the concentration of sugar. As a result, the individual will become thirsty because of the loss of excess, and vital, water. In addition, the fluid drawn from the tissues and the extra fluid the individual drinks cause increased urination.
Increased Hunger
Insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes keeps the cells from using the sugar in the bloodstream for energy. Despite the excess sugar present, its lack of availability causes energy depletion and hunger. The body triggers the hunger response to replenish the energy stores to which it does not have access.
Weight Loss
Most individuals with Type 2 diabetes will feel increased hunger and will eat more as a result. But the body's resistance to insulin leaves it unable to synthesize food into fuel. According to the Mayo Clinic, the body instead turns to the already converted glycogen stores in the muscles and fat. Once these stores are gone, the individual begins to lose weight, since any additional calories eaten are largely excreted.
Fatigue
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes may experience fatigue and irritability because of the lack of energy available to cells. It should be noted, however, that a 2010 research review by the University of Illinois College of Nursing found that the fatigue experienced by many individuals with Type 2 diabetes may also have other causes, including inadequate symptom management.
Blurred Vision
People with Type 2 diabetes often experience blurred vision. This occurs because there is less fluid in the body, including the eyes. Adequate amounts of water are necessary for the eyes to operate properly, as they are made largely of fluid. Early symptoms of Type 2 diabetes also include seeing "floaters," or stray pieces of sticky fluid floating on the surface of the eyes.
Frequent Infections or Slow Healing
Type 2 diabetes is destructive to the body's immune system, making it difficult for even minor cuts and burns to heal. Susceptibility to infection is significantly increased. Individuals with diabetes are advised to pay close attention to injuries and infections, especially those that occur in the feet. Over time, some individuals with diabetes will lose sensitivity in the foot area because of nerve damage. Without proper foot care and frequent examination, small cuts or blisters can develop into serious infections that may not be noticed in a timely manner.
Darkening of the Skin
One of the signs of insulin resistance is a darkening in the folds and creases of the skin. This is known as acanthosis nigricans and commonly occurs under the arms and on the neck.
