Type 2 Diabetes Early Warning Signs

Although 24 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, it's estimated that an additional 5.7 million people have the disease but don't know it. Type 2 diabetes doesn't always have clear symptoms, and often isn't diagnosed until found accidentally during a physical or check-up. Is the condition really symptomless or are there early warning signs that can sound the alarm?

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

• Feeling excessively tired
• Unquenchable thirst
• Frequent urination
• Numbness and/or tingling in feet or hands
• Changes in eyesight, such as blurry vision
• Unexpected weight loss
• Increase in infections or wounds that won't heal
• Breath that smells fruity

If you, or someone you know, has one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.

_Sources:

_{"National Diabetes Statistics, 2007." National Diabetes Clearing House. June 2008. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Web. 17 Nov 2009. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/PUBS/statistics/#allages.}

_{Keith, Taylor. "Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence, Surgery, Complications & Cost." American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Web. 17 Nov 2009. http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/media/asmbs_fs_diabetes.pdf.}