### Early Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't respond to insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Early signs can be subtle and may include: - **Increased Thirst**: Feeling very thirsty even after drinking fluids. - **Frequent Urination**: Needing to urinate more often than usual. - **Increased Hunger**: Feeling hungry even after eating. - **Unintended Weight Loss**: Losing weight without trying. #### Gender-Specific Symptoms While many symptoms are common to both men and women, some are gender-specific: - **Men**: Men may experience erectile dysfunction (ED) and retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis. - **Women**: Women may have low sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and painful sex. They are also more prone to vaginal yeast infections. #### Risk Factors Type 2 diabetes is more common in people over 45 and those with risk factors like obesity and a family history of diabetes. #### Diagnosis and Management To diagnose diabetes, doctors will take a medical history and perform blood tests. If diagnosed, a healthcare team will help manage the condition through diet, exercise, and possibly medication. #### Complications Poorly managed diabetes can lead to complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is crucial to preventing these issues.