What are the First Warning Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Many people with type 2 diabetes may not experience any signs or symptoms or may not notice them. However, common symptoms include:
Weeing a lot
especially at night.
Feeling very thirsty
despite drinking plenty of fluids.
Feeling more tired
than usual.
Unintentional weight loss
losing weight without trying.
Genital itching or thrush
recurring infections due to high blood sugar.
Slow healing wounds
cuts or sores that take longer to heal.
Blurred vision
caused by high blood sugar affecting the eyes.
These symptoms can develop gradually, making them harder to detect compared to type 1 diabetes, where symptoms often appear suddenly.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms in Adults
For adults, symptoms can vary. Some people may not realize they have type 2 diabetes until complications arise. The most common symptoms in adults include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
It’s important to get a blood test if you experience any of these symptoms to detect diabetes early and avoid complications such as eye disease (retinopathy).
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms in Children and Young People
While type 2 diabetes is less common in children and young people in Kenya, there has been a rise in diagnoses among this age group, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, certain ethnicities, or those living with obesity. The symptoms in children and young people are the same as in adults but may be more pronounced.
What Should I Do If I Believe I Have Type 2 Diabetes?
If you think you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, it’s crucial to visit your healthcare provider and request a blood test for diabetes. Early diagnosis is essential to manage the condition and prevent complications.
In Kenya, healthcare facilities and clinics offer blood glucose testing, and early detection allows for better management, reducing the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Cured?
There isn’t a cure for type 2 diabetes, but with weight loss and lifestyle changes, some people can achieve remission. This means their blood sugar levels return to normal without the need for diabetes medication, but type 2 diabetes can return if weight is regained or lifestyle changes aren’t maintained.
In Kenya, more awareness of healthy eating and regular physical activity is helping people manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes symptoms.
What Does Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Feel Like?
Many people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes may not feel unwell or may attribute their symptoms to other conditions. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels, resulting in a condition called Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) or, in rarer cases, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which requires emergency medical treatment.
In Kenya, you can check your risk of type 2 diabetes by using online tools like the Know Your Risk tool, which takes only a few minutes to complete. Alternatively, visiting a local health clinic for a simple blood test can help determine if you are at risk.