5 typical symptoms that may indicate type 2 diabetes

Among the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, five most likely indicate the presence of the disease. If you experience any of these, don't delay seeing a doctor! Get a diagnosis as soon as possible because, without treatment, diabetes can cause serious complications!

Type 2 diabetes is the lurking enemy.

Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications, ranging from cardiovascular problems to kidney failure and nerve damage. These complications can even lead to irreversible consequences, such as amputation or loss of vision. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of diabetes is extremely important.

Patients with diabetes often do not experience symptoms in the first years or simply ignore them, and the disease is only discovered by chance during a routine blood test. However, certain signs can warn of the possibility of diabetes, so it's worth paying attention to them. If you notice more of the symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible!

The 5 most characteristic symptoms of type 2 diabetes

1. Constant thirst / Frequent urge to urinate / Sudden weight loss

One of the early signs that can draw attention to the presence of diabetes is frequent and increased urination. The kidneys normally filter the glucose in the blood, but if the glucose level increases excessively, the kidneys cannot filter it back effectively, so the excess amount is excreted in the urine. As a result, the body loses more fluid, which can lead to increased thirst and dehydration.

If high blood sugar is really the cause of thirst, increased fluid intake cannot satisfy it either. In this case, you have to go to the toilet often, wake up several times during the night with the urge to urinate, or you are constantly thirsty even if you drink a lot of fluids.

Since the glucose leaving the urine is not stored in the body, it is not absorbed by the cells, and even drastic weight loss can begin.

An important warning sign is fruity or acetone-smelling breath, especially when accompanied by increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusually deep breathing or confusion. These symptoms may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires immediate emergency medical care. Do not wait for a routine specialist appointment!

2. Constant feelings of hunger/binge eating

Constant hunger or sudden, hard-to-satisfy hunger can also indicate the presence of diabetes, as can frequent overeating. Even though enough food enters the body, the cells are not able to utilize it efficiently. Our body perceives that it is not getting enough energy (e.g., glucose), even if there is an excess of it.

In this case, our body gives only one possible response: the feeling of hunger increases to provide the necessary energy. In addition, eating does not relieve this feeling of hunger, even if the amount and nutritional content of the food consumed are adequate.

3. Hard-to-heal wounds / Dry, itchy skin

High blood sugar can cause blood vessels to lose their elasticity and narrow. As a result, less oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood reaches the cells, including damaged areas. As a result of the circulatory disorder, wounds and injuries heal more slowly and with difficulty, especially on the limbs, hands, and feet. In addition, the skin may become dry, itchy and red.

In addition to the slower healing of wounds, it is possible that infections develop and become ulcerated. Diabetics are generally more prone to infections because their immune systems are weaker. The most common infections can affect the skin, urinary tract, and, in the case of women, the vagina. These infections are difficult, sometimes symptoms are slow to heal and often return.

4. Extreme fatigue / Dizziness

As a result of diabetes, the cells may lack sufficient nutrients and oxygen. Energy from glucose is also lacking, even though blood glucose levels are high. As a result, we can feel tired, exhausted and weak , and we can often feel dizzy . Even if we get enough sleep and eat healthy.

5. Visual impairment

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the eye's retina that develops in diabetics and, in some cases, leads to severe vision loss. This disease is the most common ophthalmic complication of diabetes, which can develop in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The disease is caused by persistently high blood sugar levels, which can lead to retinal vein changes and damage, as well as vitreous hemorrhage. Although diabetic retinopathy can be treated, if left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

What should you do if you experience any of the above symptoms?

What should you do if you experience these symptoms?

If you notice any of these symptoms, arrange a medical consultation. They do not necessarily mean you have diabetes, but they should be investigated. Your doctor can recommend appropriate blood tests and assess the results alongside your symptoms and medical history.

At Visegrádi40 Private Clinic in Budapest’s 13th District, laboratory testing and specialist diabetes care are available in one location.

Diabetes consultations in English and German

English-speaking diabetologist – Dr Yusef Abubakar Qawyean

Dr Yusef Abubakar Qawyean is an endocrinologist, diabetologist and internal medicine specialist. He provides assessment, treatment and ongoing care for type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and related hormonal and metabolic conditions.

His approach considers your overall health, existing medical conditions, previous test results and lifestyle to help develop a personalised treatment plan.

Consultations are available in English and Hungarian.

German-speaking diabetologist – Dr Katalin Fügedi

The author of this article, Dr Katalin Fügedi, is a diabetologist, cardiologist and internal medicine specialist with decades of clinical experience.

She provides care for adults with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions, considering the connections between diabetes, heart health and other medical concerns.

Consultations are available in German and Hungarian.

Visegrádi40 Private Clinic

40 Visegrádi Street, 1132 Budapest