Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in the Adult Population
What signs/symptoms are identified in the patient that can be found
In adults, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) often presents with a range of signs and symptoms. Some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages, but common signs include:
- Increased thirst (polydipsia) – Caused by high blood sugar levels, which lead to dehydration as the body attempts to flush out excess glucose through urine.
- Frequent urination (polyuria) – Due to high glucose levels, the kidneys try to expel excess sugar through urine, leading to increased urination.
- Increased hunger (polyphagia) – Even with normal or increased food intake, the body’s cells may not get enough glucose, leading to persistent hunger.
- Fatigue – Insufficient glucose in the cells results in low energy levels, causing fatigue and tiredness.
- Blurred vision – High glucose levels can affect the eye’s lenses, leading to blurry vision.
- Slow-healing wounds – High blood glucose impairs circulation and the body’s ability to heal, especially in the extremities.
- Unexplained weight loss – In cases of severe or untreated diabetes, the body starts to break down muscle and fat for energy due to lack of glucose in cells.
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet (neuropathy) – Chronic high blood sugar can damage nerves, especially in the extremities, leading to numbness or tingling.
- Frequent infections – People with diabetes are more prone to infections due to high blood sugar, which can weaken the immune system.
Identifying these signs early in patients can aid in prompt diagnosis and management, which can help prevent complications.
What signs/symptoms are identified in the patient that can be found
In adults, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) often presents with a range of signs and symptoms. Some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages, but common signs include:
- Increased thirst (polydipsia) – Caused by high blood sugar levels, which lead to dehydration as the body attempts to flush out excess glucose through urine.
- Frequent urination (polyuria) – Due to high glucose levels, the kidneys try to expel excess sugar through urine, leading to increased urination.
- Increased hunger (polyphagia) – Even with normal or increased food intake, the body’s cells may not get enough glucose, leading to persistent hunger.
- Fatigue – Insufficient glucose in the cells results in low energy levels, causing fatigue and tiredness.
- Blurred vision – High glucose levels can affect the eye’s lenses, leading to blurry vision.
- Slow-healing wounds – High blood glucose impairs circulation and the body’s ability to heal, especially in the extremities.
- Unexplained weight loss – In cases of severe or untreated diabetes, the body starts to break down muscle and fat for energy due to lack of glucose in cells.
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet (neuropathy) – Chronic high blood sugar can damage nerves, especially in the extremities, leading to numbness or tingling.
- Frequent infections – People with diabetes are more prone to infections due to high blood sugar, which can weaken the immune system.
Identifying these signs early in patients can aid in prompt diagnosis and management, which can help prevent complications.