Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks
Being over 45 years of age, living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Do your blood sugar levels need to be examined? Here are the warning signs of the condition.
"Symptoms can be mild during the early stages," said Medical News Today, hence why the condition can easily be overlooked.
If you find yourself popping off to the loo more often – especially at night – it could be a sign your kidneys are working extra hard to remove excess sugar from your blood.
Are you drinking enough water?
The general rule of thumb is that two litres of water per day is needed to be sufficiently hydrated.
However, if you're drinking around this amount and you're still feeling thirsty, something is up.
Feelings of dehydration can be an early warning sign of type 2 diabetes.
Food, food, food
"People with diabetes often do not get enough energy from the food they eat," said Medical News Today.
This is because the sugar, known as glucose, that is broken down from digested foods aren't able to move from the bloodstream into the body's cells.
Type 2 diabetes: What are the early warning signs?
Glucose is needed by the body's cells to perform at an optimum function - it's considered the body's fuel.
When the body's cells are unable to absorb the glucose it needs, this is the fundamental dysfunction of type 2 diabetes.
As a result, people with untreated type 2 diabetes may find that they feel constantly hungry, even if they've just eaten.
Can I go to bed now?
Type 2 diabetes can negatively impact a person's energy levels, causing them to feel extremely tired or fatigued.
Diabetes symptoms type 2: Polydipsia when drinking is a sign [LATEST]
Type 2 diabetes warning: The 'so-called' brown bread to avoid [ANALYSIS]
Type 2 diabetes: How to minimise your risk of the condition [RESEARCH]
What can I see?
Excess sugar in the bloodstream (when it's really meant to be used up by the body's cells) can damage tiny blood vessels in the eyes.
When those tiny blood vessels are damaged, blurry vision can occur in the affected eye.
Blurred vision may come and go, but without fast intervention, permanent vision loss can occur.
Leaving its mark
High blood sugar levels can damage the body's nerves and blood vessels, which can impair blood circulation.
With poor circulation, any small cuts or wounds may take weeks or months to heal.
Pins and needles
Nerve damage can result in that tingling feeling in the extremities of the body.
The fingers and toes may even feel numb; this condition is known as neuropathy.
Patches of dark skin can form on the creases of the neck, armpit, or groin if you're at an increased risk of diabetes, asserted Medical News Today.
This skin condition is known as acanthosis nigricans, and the patches may feel soft and velvety.
Another warning sign of type 2 diabetes is yeast infections in the mouth, genital areas or armpits.
The affected area can also be sore and red, and a burning sensation may also be present.
The excess sugar in the blood and urine provides food for yeast, which is why type 2 diabetes can lead to a yeast infection.