13 hidden signs you could have type-2 diabetes

OFTEN hungry and thirsty? If you suffer from these 13 symptoms you should get tested for diabetes.HEALTH WARNING: If you have foot numbness or pain it could be a sing of type diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. While most people with type-1 diabetes are born with it, type-2 can come on at any time.

With type-2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body’s cells don't react to insulin. The hormone insulin – produced by the pancreas – is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in the blood.

If diabetes is left untreated the glucose starts to build up in the blood instead of heading straight for the cells. If the blood sugar gets too high or too low, health complications arise.

Here are 13 signs that you might have type-2 diabetes:

1. EXCESSIVE THRIST

Feeling constantly thirsty is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. It's usually coupled with dryness in the mouth and can be one of the first signs to develop.

2. HUNGER

A sudden increase in appetite, particularly sweet cravings, can also be a symptom of the condition. This is because of the really high or really low blood sugar levels.

When your blood sugar levels dip, this sends the signal to the body that you need to eat something, which explains hunger pangs at any time of the day.

3. WEIGHT LOSS

If you are eating more but seem to be losing weight this could be an indication that something isn't right.

Because your body lacks insulin or it’s becoming insulin-sensitive, it can't transport blood sugar into the muscle cells.

As a result, your blood sugar level becomes alarmingly high and all the excess sugar goes into your urine. Hence, the weight loss.

4. FREQUENT TOILET BREAKS

If you seem to need to pee constantly, this could by a symptom too. Frequent urination is one of the major symptoms of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

When there are abnormally high blood sugar levels, some of the excess glucose in the blood are not reabsorbed and just end up in the urine, drawing more water.

Hence, you end up with large amounts of urine, causing you to urinate more frequently.

5. MOOD CHANGES

Have you been having mood swings for no particular reason? This is another, largely unknown symptom of the condition.

The fluctuating moods could be due to changes in blood sugar levels. You may also lack energy.

6. PROBLEMS SLEEPING

People with diabetes often experience problems getting to sleep and remaining asleep. This can be caused by pain, discomfort, the need to urinate, Restless Leg Syndrome, and sleep apnea.

7. FOOT NUMBNESS OR PAIN

Experiencing numbness and loss of strength in your feet can also be a warning sign. Because they are the farthest from the heart they are often hit the hardest when it comes to blood problems.

8. SKIN PROBLEMS

You might experience skin dryness and itchiness or darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans). This is due to circulation problems.

9. SLOW TO HEAL WOUNDS

If you do have type-2 diabetes, you might notice that your wounds don't heal as quickly as other people.

The high glucose levels in the blood result in poor blood circulation and make it hard for the blood to reach parts of the body that are affected by wounds, cuts or sores.

10. FATIGUE

This is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. The rise is blood glucose can make you feel sluggish and groggy.

11. BLURRED VISION

Although this might seem extreme, it's actually one of the earliest indicators of diabetes. If you experience blurred vision see a doctor or eye specialist.

12. INFECTIONS

People with type-2 diabetes are more prone to yeast infections because of the amount of sugar in their bodies. They are also more likely to get urinary tract infections.

13. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

If you have a number of the symptoms above, maybe get your doctor to test your blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is 140/90, but if you have type-2 diabetes, it should be no higher than 135/80.