
Is It Just Fatigue — or Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is often linked to lifestyle and dietary choices. It affects how your body uses insulin and regulates blood sugar. While some people experience few symptoms, others notice several early warning signs—especially persistent fatigue.
If you're feeling “off,” here are six early signs of type 2 diabetes to watch for.
1. Fatigue That Won’t Go Away
Constant tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep, is a hallmark of early type 2 diabetes. This happens because your body can’t effectively use insulin, meaning glucose isn’t entering your cells for energy—so your body remains sluggish and drained.
2. Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination
A classic red flag: you’re drinking more water than usual but still feel thirsty. That’s because high blood sugar makes your kidneys work overtime to filter out extra glucose, causing you to urinate more frequently and become dehydrated—which only increases your thirst.
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3. Blurry Vision
High blood sugar levels can pull fluid from the lenses of your eyes, temporarily affecting your vision. Over time, this can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes, potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy or even permanent vision loss.
Tip: If you’re noticing sudden changes in vision, get a comprehensive eye exam and talk to your PCP.
4. Unusual Hunger (Even After Eating)
You just ate, but you’re still hungry. Why? When your cells aren’t absorbing glucose properly, your body thinks it’s starving—triggering more hunger signals. This can lead to overeating, weight gain, and worsening insulin resistance.
5. Slow-Healing Wounds or Infections
Are your cuts or scrapes taking longer than usual to heal? High blood sugar affects circulation and immune function, delaying your body’s healing process. This can also lead to more frequent infections—especially of the skin and urinary tract.
6. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is a serious complication of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your extremities may signal nerve damage, and if left untreated, it could become permanent.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms—especially fatigue, excessive thirst, or blurred vision—it’s time to get your blood sugar levels tested.
The earlier diabetes is detected, the better your chances of managing or even reversing it through lifestyle changes and treatment.
Get Diabetes Screening & Support at BASS Medical Group
Our Primary Care Providers and Endocrinologists can help you:
- Diagnose type 2 diabetes with a simple blood test
- Build a personalized diet and treatment plan
- Monitor symptoms and improve your blood sugar control
📍 Serving Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Oakland, and the Greater Bay Area.