Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be hard to detect because they are do not always show and can develop gradually. But if the condition is ignored, complications such as heart disease and stroke can occur.
The type of diabetes is usually picked up during a routine medical examination or screening test for non-related health problems.
But if signs do show, one to note is feeling hungry – particularly if you feel hungry shortly after eating, which is known as polyphagia.
This is recognised as one of the main symptoms of diabetes and occurs as a result of glucose from the blood not being able to enter the cells.
Diabetes.co.uk explains: “In uncontrolled diabetes where blood glucose levels remain abnormally high, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells – due to either a lack of insulin or insulin resistance – so the body can’t convert the food you eat into energy. This lack of energy causes an increase in hunger.
“Simply eating will not get rid of the hungry feeling of polyphagia in people with uncontrolled diabetes, as this will just add to the already high blood glucose levels.
“The best way to lower blood glucose levels is to exercise as this can help to stimulate insulin production and reduce blood sugar levels.”
But polyphagia can also be caused by anxiety, stress, depression, and certain prescription drugs such as corticosteroids.
There are nine other symptoms of type 2 diabetes to be wary of, from eating patterns to toilet habits.
Feeling hungry
Often feeling hungry can be a sign, particularly if you feel hungry shortly after eating.
Urinating habits
Urinating more often than normal can indicate the condition, particularly needing to do so during the night.
Feeling abnormally thirsty
This is known as polydipsia.
Vision
People with the condition may experience blurred vision.
Itching of the skin
Particularly itchiness around the genitals.
Cuts or wounds
These tend to heal slower in people with type 2 diabetes.