Type 2 diabetes symptoms: Having this in your urine could be warning sign of condition

Type 2 diabetes symptoms is a common condition where a person’s levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood becomes too high. If the condition is ignored or left untreated, serious health problems such as kidney damage, nerve damage and cardiovascular disease can occur. One of the better known symptoms of type 2 diabetes is frequent urination. But what else should you be looking out for in your urine?

The presence of ketones in the urine is a symptom of type 2 diabetes, according to Mayo Clinic.

Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin.

Your urine should have a distinct smell if ketones are present.

Diabetes Self-Management explains: “Sweet-smelling urine typically indicates the presence of sugar or glucose.

“Of course, having diabetes increases the chances of spilling glucose into the urine if blood glucose levels are too high.

“The kidneys will make their best effort to get rid of excess glucose once blood glucose levels climb above 180 mg/dl.

“In people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 who take insulin, sweet or fruity-smelling urine may be due to ketones.”

The most accurate way of testing for ketones is to use a meter that measures blood ketone levels.

The following blood glucose meters are recommended by Diabetes.co.uk: ]

  • Abbott – FreeStyle Optium Neo
  • Menarini – GlucoMen LX Plus

Your doctor will also be able to help if you suspect symptoms of diabetes.

Areas of darkened skin is another symptom of type 2 diabetes

While this usually occurs in the armpit, it can also appear on a person’s neck.

This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans and is an indicator of insulin resistance.

The NHS notes six other symptoms of type 2 diabetes to be wary of:

  • Feeling thirsty all the time
  • Feeling very tired
  • Losing weight without trying to
  • Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
  • Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
  • Blurred vision