High blood sugar is a condition known as hyperglycemia, which can happen when the body isn’t able to effectively process excess glucose from carbohydrate-rich foods. When this happens consistently, it’s called type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications and even death. But you might not know that you have it until it has progressed to an advanced stage.

Even if you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, there are several warning signs and symptoms that indicate you have increased risk of developing the disease. If caught early enough, you can take measures to reverse the disease and negate its progression. Here are some common signs and symptoms that indicate you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes:

Excess body weight and body fat

If you’re overweight or obese, then you may have type 2 diabetes. While there are some people who are overweight but metabolically healthy, an overweight person with type 2 diabetes is rare. One study found that 97% of people who have type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese. This is because excess body fat is associated with higher levels of blood glucose. People who are overweight or obese are at an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes because of the increased amount of fat in the body.

Fat, especially around the midsection, is associated with more insulin resistance and increased blood glucose levels. Scientists aren’t sure why this is, but it’s thought that fat cells release toxic chemicals that interfere with insulin and glucose metabolism. Excess body fat can also impair the body’s ability to properly use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. If you are overweight or obese and have one or more of the other signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will likely test you for diabetes. If you are overweight, you can take steps to reverse your risk by incorporating more exercise and a healthy diet.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision is another early warning sign of type 2 diabetes if it occurs while your blood sugar is at a level that would be considered normal. It’s thought that diabetes-related blurred vision is caused by excess sugar levels in the blood interfering with the eye’s ability to properly produce tears and maintain the right amount of fluid in the eye. In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, this isn’t usually a problem because people with type 2 diabetes have normal blood sugar levels most of the time. However, if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a sudden or persistent increase in blood sugar levels could lead to blurred vision.

Type 2 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 45, but it’s also possible for children with a genetic disposition to develop diabetes before the age of 10. If you have type 2 diabetes and experience blurred vision, your doctor may prescribe eye drops to help regulate your eye fluid levels and decrease the risk of permanent eye damage. You can also reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related blurred vision by maintaining a healthy body weight and blood pressure level.

Constipation

Constipation is another common sign of type 2 diabetes, but it’s often overlooked. People with type 2 diabetes often experience a change in bowel movements that becomes a chronic state of constipation. This is because poor eating habits can lead to an irregularity in bowel movements. For example, people with type 2 diabetes who eat poorly and eat too many sweets or carbohydrates tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, which can lead to constipation.

In addition, people with type 2 diabetes who take certain medications or have certain underlying conditions like a thyroid disorder may experience constipation. This is because some medications used to treat diabetes can cause constipation. If you have type 2 diabetes, you should speak with your doctor about how your medications may be affecting your bowel movements. You can also reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related constipation by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Darkened skin spots

Darkened skin spots are a sign of accelerated aging and are common in people with type 2 diabetes. They are caused by oxidative stress and a disruption in the skin’s natural ability to regenerate and repair itself. Skin darkening can occur in the face, neck, arms, and legs. It typically appears as a dark freckle-looking spot and is associated with high blood glucose levels.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you are at risk of developing photodamage to the skin. This is because high blood glucose levels can impair the skin’s ability to metabolize Vitamin C and produce collagen. If you notice that your skin is becoming darker, it’s best to get it checked out by a doctor to rule out diabetes. You can reverse photodamage and slow down the progression of type 2 diabetes by taking steps to reduce your blood glucose levels.

Fatigue and loss of energy

Fatigue and a loss of energy are signs of type 2 diabetes that occur when the condition is at an advanced stage. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body is less able to effectively take in and process glucose for energy, leading to fatigue and a general loss of energy. If you have diabetes and notice a sudden and unexpected loss of energy, it could be due to a number of other conditions and diseases. However, it’s best to rule out diabetes and get it tested. You can slow or reverse the progression of type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes and maintaining a healthy diet.

Foot pain

Foot pain is a common sign of type 2 diabetes that usually affects the bottom of the foot or the balls of the feet. It is caused by a combination of factors, including nerve damage, thickening of the skin, and poor circulation. If you have type 2 diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing neuropathy, which can damage nerves and lead to foot pain, especially in the bottom of the feet.

Neuropathy is associated with diabetes because excess blood glucose levels can impair the ability of nerves to properly function. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can reduce your risk of developing foot pain by keeping your blood glucose levels within a normal range and visiting your doctor for regular foot checkups.

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is a common sign of type 2 diabetes that occurs when the kidneys don’t efficiently process excess glucose in the body. When this happens, excess glucose is excreted through urination, causing you to urinate more frequently. If you have type 2 diabetes, frequent urination can be a sign that your kidneys are struggling to metabolize excess glucose in the body. Frequent urination is usually accompanied by high blood sugar levels, so it can be a sign that you have diabetes even if your blood sugar levels are in the normal range. You can slow the progression of type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices and keeping your blood glucose levels in a normal range.

Loss of sensation in hands and feet

Lowered sensation in hands and feet is a common sign of type 2 diabetes that occurs when the disease is at an advanced stage. When you have type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal, which damages nerves in the body and can cause them to stop functioning properly. When your nerves aren’t able to send signals properly, you may experience loss of sensation in your hands and feet. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may notice that it’s difficult to feel pain and heat in your hands and feet. You may also notice that it’s more difficult to pick up small or delicate items, like coins or paper clips.

Muscular weakness, including in the legs

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may feel a sudden loss of strength in your legs, hips, and thighs. This is often the result of nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels, and it can be an early sign of type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes and notice a sudden loss of strength in your legs and hips, it’s best to get tested for diabetes to rule out this possibility. You can slow the progression of type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and keeping your blood glucose levels in a normal range.

Vision Changes – Double Vision and Blurred Vision

If you notice that your vision has suddenly become blurry or you see two of everything (diabetic retinopathy), it’s a sign that you have diabetes or are at high risk of developing the condition. Blurred vision and double vision can be caused by diabetic retinopathy, a condition that occurs when high blood glucose levels damage the retina in the eye. If you have type 2 diabetes and notice changes in vision, it’

Conclusion

If you experience any of the signs and symptoms above, it is important to have your blood sugar levels checked as soon as possible. If you do have type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to reverse the disease and stop it from progressing further. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your type 2 diabetes; they will be able to provide you with the resources and information you need to live a healthy, happy life.