Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes type2 can lead to earlier detection and treatment, which could prevent damage to the organs caused by high blood glucose levels. In rare cases, even without previously noting the detailed symptoms, type two diabetes leads to coma. The importance of regular check-ups cannot be overemphasized, particularly for those people who are at risk for developing the condition.

The symptoms of diabetes type2 can vary, but may include an increase in thirst or dry mouth, increased hunger even after eating a meal, nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, generalized fatigue or weakness, blurred vision and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Not everyone with the condition experiences all of these symptoms of diabetes type2 and some people experience others, such as frequent urinary tract infections, vaginal infections or easily infected scrapes or scratches on the skin.

Even without the appearance of detailed symptoms type two diabetes can be diagnosed by a doctor with a fasting or casual plasma glucose test. This test measures the level of glucose or sugar in the blood stream.

Normally, food is changed into glucose in the stomach. The glucose then enters the blood stream and the pancreas produces insulin, which allows the glucose to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy.

When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use it properly, glucose cannot enter the cells and builds up in the blood stream. In diabetes type I, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are lost or damaged.

In diabetes type II, the pancreas can produce insulin, but may not produce enough and the cells of the body become resistant or less sensitive to the insulin that is produced. In the beginning, typically before the symptoms of diabetes type2 are noticed, the pancreas may produce more insulin to try and deal with the increase in blood glucose levels. But, eventually the extra insulin stops working and blood sugar levels continue to increase.

Increased blood sugar levels can lead to other health problems. Frequent dehydration may accompany the symptoms of diabetes type2. Severe dehydration accompanied by very high blood sugar levels can lead to Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome, which is life threatening.

If left uncontrolled, high levels of glucose in the blood stream can damage the nervers, the eyes, the kidneys and the heart. Uncontrolled type II diabetes is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Insulin-resistance is the term used to describe the body’s inability to recognize and use the insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin resistance is not present in type I diabetes, but with or without detailed symptoms type two diabetes is always accompanied by insulin resistance.