Many people have Type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Its symptoms often seem benign enough that they are perceived as harmless or being caused by something other than diabetes. This is unfortunate, because the long term health effects that can happen when diabetes goes untreated can be severe. It is for this reason that early detection and treatment are absolutely vital.
The good news is that Type 2 diabetes is often very easy to treat. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle can keep your Type 2 diabetes under control, so if you catch it early enough, you have an excellent chance of avoiding having to take medications to treat and manage your diabetes. The best way to catch it early is to be aware of the symptoms and able to recognize them in yourself so you can talk to your doctor or health care provider should you start to experience them.
The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese and being someone that lives a sedentary lifestyle. Other risk factors include a family history of diabetes and a personal history of gestational diabetes. If any of these apply to you, and you begin to experience any of the following symptoms, speak to your doctor as soon as you can to get things looked at. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst and excessive hunger, shakiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritability, frequent urination, blurred vision, tingling in the hands or feet, slow healing of bruises and cuts, frequent infections like vaginal infections or gum, skin and bladder infections. If you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to err on the safe side and talk to your doctor, because knowing is half the battle and you can begin to get it under control.