### Early Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where the body loses its ability to use blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, effectively. Here are some early warning signs to watch out for: 1. **Frequent Urination (Polyuria)**: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work overtime to filter and absorb the excess sugar. When they can't keep up, the excess sugar is excreted into the urine, leading to frequent urination. 2. **Extreme Thirst (Polydipsia)**: Frequent urination leads to dehydration, making you feel very thirsty. Drinking more fluids doesn't seem to quench this thirst. 3. **Persistent Hunger (Polyphagia)**: When your body can't use insulin properly, it can't convert food into energy. This leads to increased hunger as your body craves more fuel. 4. **Tingling or Numbness**: High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in the hands, fingers, feet, and toes. 5. **Slow-Healing Wounds**: Elevated blood sugar levels can narrow blood vessels, slowing down blood circulation and the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to wounds, making them heal more slowly. 6. **Blurred Vision**: High blood sugar levels can affect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, causing fluid to leak into the lens and leading to blurred vision. 7. **Darkened Skin Patches**: Dark, velvety patches of skin, often found in the armpits, neck, and groin, can be a sign of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. 8. **Frequent Infections**: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, including urinary tract infections and yeast infections. 9. **Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin**: High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration, leading to dry mouth and itchy skin. 10. **Unexplained Weight Loss**: Despite eating more, you may lose weight because your body can't use glucose properly and starts burning fat and muscle for energy. 11. **Fatigue**: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to extreme tiredness and fatigue. 12. **Mood Changes**: Blood sugar fluctuations can affect your mood, leading to irritability and mood swings. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early detection and management can help prevent complications and improve quality of life.