Recognize Early: Key Symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 in Adults

Last updated on December 2023, at 08:48 am

 Symptoms of diabetes type 2 in adults

Diabetes type 2 is a disease where blood sugar levels remain high over time. This leads to complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, amputations, nerve damage, and even death. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health problems.

 

Diabetes is the broad name of a group of medical conditions characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. The disorder is classified into four categories. Type 1 diabetes, also known as the juvenile type because it affects mostly children, is characterized by insulin deficiency due to the loss of beta cells (insulin-producing cells in the islets of the pancreas). 

Common Symptoms Of Adult-onset Type 2 Diabetes

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision - diabetes blindness
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Initial signs of type 2 diabetes in older adults

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that typically develops over time, and its initial signs can be subtle, especially in older adults. Recognizing these early symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and management. Here are some common initial signs of type 2 diabetes in older adults:

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: As excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, the body attempts to flush it out through urine. This process can lead to dehydration, causing increased thirst.

2. Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can impact the body's ability to convert glucose into energy efficiently, leading to feelings of fatigue and tiredness.

3. Blurred Vision: Fluctuations in fluid levels in the body can cause the lenses in the eyes to swell, impacting their ability to focus, thus leading to blurred vision.

4. Slow Healing Wounds: Diabetes can affect the body's ability to heal. Older adults might notice that cuts or bruises take longer than usual to heal.

5. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet: Known as diabetic neuropathy, this symptom is due to prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging nerves, especially in the extremities.

6. Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating more to relieve hunger, sudden weight loss can occur as the body is unable to use glucose effectively and starts burning fat and muscle for energy.

7. Darkened Skin Areas: Known as acanthosis nigricans, this is a condition where darkened patches of skin can form in the armpits, neck, or groin.

8. Increased Hunger: Even after eating, one might experience persistent hunger due to the body's inability to convert glucose into energy effectively.

9. Frequent Infections: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, leading to frequent infections, particularly of the skin, gums, or bladder.

10. Mood Changes: Fluctuations in blood sugar can impact mental health, leading to irritability or depression.

It's important for older adults experiencing these symptoms to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes are key to preventing or delaying more serious health complications. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and, if necessary, medication, can effectively manage the condition.

Type 2 diabetes treatment 

Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent type 2 diabetes, and that's true even if you have diabetes in your family. If you've already received a diagnosis of diabetes, you can use healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent complications. If you have prediabetes, lifestyle changes can slow or stop the progression of diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle includes:

• Eating healthy foods. 
• Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Getting active. 
• Aim for a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity — or 15 to 30 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity — on most days. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride a bike. Swim laps. If you can't fit in a long workout, spread your activity throughout the day.
• Losing weight. 
• If you're overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy, and improved self-esteem.
• Avoid being sedentary for long periods. 
• Sitting still for long periods can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. Try to get up every 30 minutes and move around for at least a few minutes.

What is the diabetes freedom program?

 

"Diabetes Freedom" is a two-month plan. It consists of three simple steps that will help you reverse the evolution of the disease. It will show you how to fix your blood sugar levels quickly. Without reverting to the use of medications and their side effects. The program is completely safe, with no strict diets and no calorie counting. It will merely help you to choose the right food to eat and the right body movements to do.

 

Lifestyle factors are a very well-known determinant of the progression of the disease. In fact, obesity, stress, and lack of physical activity are the leading causes of developing diabetes.   The freedom program incorporates the following measures: Eight weeks of a nutritional plan that will melt the fat deposits around the pancreas 2-minute daily exercise simple routine that can be done at home Tricks of meal timing that will teach you how to avoid cravings and how to preserve your energy for the day.   This program is valid, and it has scientific evidence. Many of our customers noticed considerable health benefits, and they are happy with the results.

 

 

 

 

Praktikotips