11 Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 420 million people worldwide have diabetes, with over 95% being Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce or properly use insulin, resulting in sustained high blood sugar levels.

Did you know? Type 2 diabetes sometimes doesn’t present obvious symptoms, so many people are unaware they have it. However, by paying attention to changes in your body, you can still detect some subtle signs.

In this article, we will share 11 early symptoms of Type 2 diabetes to help you recognize these signs early.

#1 Thirst and Frequent Urination

Aside from thirst caused by physical exertion, salty foods, or hot weather, if you find yourself unusually thirsty and urinating frequently, especially both day and night, it could be a symptom of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can lead to high blood sugar, increasing the burden on the kidneys, resulting in frequent urination and persistent thirst.

If you often experience thirst and frequent urination, please test your blood sugar levels promptly.

#2 Skin Darkening

Type 2 diabetes can also affect the skin, causing it to darken and thicken. Acanthosis nigricans is a chronic skin condition caused by Type 2 diabetes, resulting in thickening and darkening of the skin folds.

If you notice darkening and thickening of the skin folds, especially around the elbows, armpits, and back of the neck, it may be a sign of high blood sugar. Please check your blood sugar levels promptly.

#3 Excessive Hunger

Type 2 diabetes can increase hunger, causing you to feel excessively hungry and eat more. Hyperphagia, or excessive eating, is an early symptom of Type 2 diabetes.

You may experience an abnormal increase in appetite, even when you’re not hungry.

This is because Type 2 diabetes prevents glucose from entering cells due to insulin deficiency, leading to energy deprivation and persistent hunger signals from the brain.

If you often feel excessively hungry and have an increased appetite, please check your blood sugar levels.

#4 Gum Bleeding

Gum bleeding is one of the most common early symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, accelerating gum disease.

#5 Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common early symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, especially occurring in the bladder or urethra.

#6 Persistent Fatigue

Type 2 diabetes can lead to energy deficiency, causing you to feel constantly fatigued.

#7 Visual Changes

Type 2 diabetes can also affect the eyes, potentially causing blurred vision or other visual changes.

#8 Weight Changes

Type 2 diabetes may lead to weight loss, especially when blood sugar control is poor.

#9 Slow Wound Healing

Type 2 diabetes slows blood circulation, making wounds difficult to heal.

#10 Numbness in Hands and Feet

Type 2 diabetes damages nerves, leading to numbness and other neurological symptoms in hands and feet.

#11 Nail Infections

Type 2 diabetes can also cause nail infections, especially with discolored and thickened nails.

Hope this information helps you detect the signs of Type 2 diabetes earlier and take preventive or treatment measures promptly.