1. Insulin Ineffective
Type 2 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in the middle stages of life or later. It's characterized by the body's inability to either produce or use insulin effectively. When you eat, the body takes sugars and starches in the food and converts them to glucose. Insulin then takes the glucose from the blood and moves it to the cells, and the cells use it for energy. Since diabetics don't produce enough insulin, or the insulin they produce is used ineffectively, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being moved into the cells. Over time, this can do damage to many of the major organs of the body.
2. Symptoms Go Undetected
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes often go unnoticed, especially in the beginning. Increased thirst and urination is caused by the buildup of glucose in the system, which pulls fluids from your cells. Since your cells are being deprived of glucose, and thereby energy, it triggers extreme hunger. Despite eating more than usual, you may experience weight loss because the cells are drawing on the muscle and fat stores for energy. You'll likely feel very tired since the cells aren't receiving the glucose they need for energy. You may also notice that any cuts you have may take longer to heal, as Type 2 Diabetes suppresses your body's capability to heal and ward off infections.
3. Overwhelmed by Emotion
A diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can trigger emotional symptoms such as depression, anger and denial. You might feel overwhelmed at the prospect of having to manage this disease for the rest of your life. There's no getting around the fact that your lifestyle will change because of Type 2 Diabetes. But with the proper medical care, diet, support and taking the disease one day at a time, you can manage it well.
4. Symptoms When Sick
Blood sugar levels can rise dramatically when you are sick, due to increased stress and dehydration. This can lead to a condition called Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma, which can be life threatening. Symptoms such as extreme thirst, fever, dry mouth, hallucinations and a blood sugar level over 600 mg. should prompt you to call your doctor right away.
5. Complicated Complications
Ignoring the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes and not making an effort to control your blood sugar level can lead to life threatening problems. Heart disease, kidney problems, blindness, glaucoma and problems with the feet can all be managed and sometimes prevented by keeping diabetes under control. Becoming familiar with the symptoms of these health issues that can be bought on by diabetes should be part of your understanding about diabetes as a whole.
