A chronic condition, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels properly. This results in elevated blood sugar levels that, if not managed, can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Type 2 diabetes primarily arises from a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet (high in sugars and fats), and family history of diabetes significantly increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
Watch out for these 6 early signs of type 2 diabetes:
Energy drain: Feeling unusually tired, even after adequate rest, is a common early sign of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can disrupt the body's ability to convert glucose into energy, leading to persistent fatigue.
Increased thirst: If you experience constant thirst, despite drinking enough water, it may indicate the body's attempt to flush out excess sugar through increased urine production. This symptom often accompanies elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often, particularly at night, can be a result of the kidneys working overtime to filter and absorb excess sugar in the blood. This leads to increased urine production and dehydration.
Unexpected weight loss: Losing weight without trying, despite normal eating habits, can occur when the body cannot properly metabolise glucose for energy, so it starts burning fat and muscle tissue for fuel.
Blurred vision: Vision becoming blurry, which can affect daily activities, is often caused by changes in fluid levels within the eyes due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause the lenses in the eyes to swell, resulting in blurred vision.
Slow healing: Wounds or cuts taking longer to heal than usual is a sign of compromised immune function, often linked to high blood sugar levels that impair circulation and the body's ability to repair damaged tissue.
Preventive measures
To prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, it's essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, exercise regularly, limit sugary drinks and processed foods, monitor blood sugar levels if at risk, and manage stress through activities like yoga or meditation. These steps help lower the risk.
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