5 Signs that a Type II Diabetic Must Not Ignore

World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November this year has the theme, 'Access to Diabetes Care' 

For a country like India with its problems of proper healthcare infrastructure and lack of access to healthcare for the majority, there could be no more apt aspect to focus on than this. Diabetes is a disease afflicting a huge chunk of our population and there is no doubt.  

A recent government study this year estimates that about 11% of Indians are Diabetic, and 15.3 % are in the pre-diabetic stage. The actual numbers these percentages translate into are staggering. Around 101.3 million Indians are Diabetic and another 136 million are in the pre-diabetes stage. And to think, experts had once thought this was a disease of the more affluent, and not of developing countries already crippled by lack of medical care and an array of infectious diseases like Malaria, TB and AIDS. 

Of the types of Diabetes, Type 1 is non-preventable, being mostly genetic, while Type 2 can be prevented. Be that as it may, let's get an idea of what Type 2 Diabetes is.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?   

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that happens when the body is unable to regulate and use sugar as a fuel. This leads to excess sugar circulation in the blood. The anomalies in the regulation and use of sugar happen because the pancreas is not able to produce the required amounts of insulin and cells are unable to absorb sugar as they are unable to respond adequately to insulin. 

Type 2 Diabetes was earlier termed adult-onset diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus. While it is more common in middle-aged adults and beyond, in recent times, both Type 1 and 2 can occur in either. Common though it may be, it can be extremely distressing to be diagnosed with Diabetes. The best way is to be aware of the symptoms broadly so that they can be detected in time. Here are some of the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes. 

Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

• Extreme Thirst
• Blurred Vision
• Abnormally Frequent urination
• Increased Sensation in Hands and Feet
• Extreme tiredness
• Never healing wounds
• Recurring Yeast infections 
• Constant hunger 
• Sudden Weight Loss

Moreover, dark rashes around the neck or armpits are another telltale sign. They could be signs that your body is not absorbing insulin.  

Type 2 Diabetes has stages. The best way is to recognise the symptoms early and visit the doctor. While Type 2 Diabetes is incurable once it sets in, it can be managed. Proper exercise and a healthy diet are key.