What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

If you are like many people, you have heard a lot about a chronic condition called diabetes. Nearly 5.7 million Americans have diabetes - and thousands are diagnosed with the condition each year. How many is that, really? That's just about the population of the state of Wisconsin.

Even though many Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year, nearly one in four individuals with diabetes are not even aware that they have it! Without a proper diagnosis, diabetes will go untreated and is likely to lead to long-term health problems for many undiagnosed individuals.

Here are common symptoms of diabetes that can often lead to a diagnosis. If you have any or all of these symptoms, contact your doctor for more information about diabetes or to take a blood sugar test:

• Frequent urination, especially in the middle of the night or when not consuming large amounts of fluids

• Excessive thirst

• Extreme hunger - caused by very low or very high blood sugar levels

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue, even when sleeping eight hours a night

• Irritability

• Blurred vision - caused by high blood glucose levels

If diabetes goes undiagnosed, the diabetic will not receive the proper medications and treatment required to manage the condition. Some side-effects of diabetes that could become serious medical conditions include:

• Incontinence

• Erectile dysfunction

• Heart disease

• Kidney disease

• Diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage

• Foot complications

• Skin complications

• Blindness

• Loss of limbs due to amputation

Diabetes is not a curable condition. However, it can be treated with various lifestyle changes, dietary changes, medication, and overall attention to a person's general well-being. If you or a loved one believes that you may have diabetes, it is important to speak with a medical practitioner as soon as possible so that you can get a proper diagnosis and course of treatment.

If you are diagnosed with the condition, get as much information as possible to learn how you can be active in your diabetes management and lifestyle improvement processes. TypeFree is an online resource for individuals with diabetes that provides excellent information for how to manage your diabetes and understand what is going on with your body. There is also an active community on the Web site, which can provide personal tips and solutions uniquely for you.

Bottom line: Speak with your doctor right away if you think that you may have diabetes!