“It is all about sugar,” they say. And most of us know someone who undergoes diabetes, or sugar problems. The majority understand that the problem with glucose relays on an abnormal production or use of insulin. This is the chemical compound responsible for introducing glucose inside the cells to promote converting sugar into energy.
But not everybody knows there are various types of diabetes. Out of those, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this illness. So, if you happen to be one of those who think this illness is all about sugar, we invite you to keep reading and be aware of the following series of signs and symptoms. At this point, there is a disclaimer set: due to the nature of this illness, these symptoms are not always linked to diabetes, and only a professional would tell whether or not you should be worried. So, if you read this article and suspect you might suffer from diabetes, go straight to your doctor and share your signs and symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis.
The most common symptoms are as follows:
1. Increased hunger and thirst
Drinking and eating may count as a sign of good health, or at least most of the time. But, in the case of type 2 diabetes, the body experiences an increased level of glucose in the bloodstream, and this causes an alteration of fluids in the tissues. The kidneys try to drain excess glucose through the urine, drags extra water in the process, and as a consequence, the patient feels an excessive thirst, or the urge to drink, which is clinically named polydipsia. By the way, this excess drinking leads to another problem we will talk about later on.
Sugar is the fastest source of energy in the cell. So when your cells are not able to obtain glucose (a form of sugar) as the fuel they use for working, both muscles and organs will end up in need of energy. Ironically, even though the bloodstream may be full of glucose (what doctors call hyperglycemia), there’s not enough insulin to bring this glucose inside the cell. The brain interprets this lack of energy as malnourishment, and makes you feel more hunger than usual.
