Fatigue and 5 Other Signs You Might Have Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is often related to lifestyle choices. It affects how your body processes insulin and manages blood sugar. While symptoms can vary between individuals, several early warning signs are worth watching out for—especially if you’re feeling tired all the time.

Below are six key symptoms of type 2 diabetes and what they may mean for your health.

1. Fatigue or Constant Tiredness

One of the most common early signs of type 2 diabetes is feeling tired—even after getting a full night of sleep. This fatigue is caused by your body’s inability to properly use insulin, which results in high blood sugar levels.

Since glucose (sugar) isn’t entering your cells efficiently, your body doesn’t get the energy it needs to function properly, leading to a constant feeling of exhaustion.

2. Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination

Are you constantly thirsty, even after drinking water? Excess thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination are classic early symptoms of diabetes.

High blood sugar forces your kidneys to work overtime to filter and remove excess glucose through urine. As a result, you urinate more often, which leads to dehydration and increased thirst—creating a cycle that continues until blood sugar levels are stabilized.

3. Blurry Vision

Blurred vision can be an early sign of diabetes-related eye damage. High blood sugar can pull fluid from the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus. Over time, elevated glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.

If left untreated, this can lead to more serious complications—including diabetic retinopathy and even permanent vision loss. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, see a doctor right away.

4. Increased Hunger (Even After Eating)

Feeling hungry even after a full meal? People with type 2 diabetes may feel persistent hunger due to their cells not receiving enough energy from glucose. Your body interprets this energy shortage as hunger, prompting you to eat more.

This cycle can lead to overeating, weight gain, and worsening insulin resistance over time.

5. Slow-Healing Wounds and Infections

Another common but often overlooked sign of type 2 diabetes is delayed healing of cuts, sores, or infections.

High blood sugar levels can impair circulation and damage nerves, slowing down your body’s natural healing process. If minor wounds take longer than usual to heal—or become infected—this could be a sign of underlying diabetes.

6. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) is a potential complication of type 2 diabetes. You might notice tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your hands or feet.

This can become permanent if blood sugar levels are not managed properly. If you're experiencing these symptoms, speak with a healthcare provider.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing multiple symptoms from the list above—especially fatigue, constant thirst, or blurry vision—it’s time to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help manage or even reverse type 2 diabetes in many cases.

BASS Medical Group: Diabetes Testing & Support in the Bay Area

At BASS Medical Group, our experienced primary care providers and endocrinologists can help you:

• Diagnose type 2 diabetes through bloodwork
• Create a personalized treatment plan
• Monitor blood sugar and manage symptoms

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward better blood sugar control and long-term health.