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Type 2 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed - Symptoms

Not everyone has symptoms before they find out they have type 2 diabetes. But if you did have symptoms, they may go away when your blood sugar level returns to your target range.

Symptoms of high blood sugar

You may not have any symptoms of type 2 diabetes. That's because your blood sugar levels can rise so slowly over time that you don't notice that anything is wrong. Early symptoms of high blood sugar can include:

One Woman's Story:

Gloria, 70

About a year ago, Gloria had trouble reading the numbers on some checks she was filing. She cleaned her glasses and put them back on, but it didn't help. "My eyes were all blurry. It was really scary. My doctor tested me for diabetes. He said that the blurriness means my blood sugar is too high."-Gloria

Read more about Gloria and how she manages her diabetes.

The higher your blood sugar rises, the more likely you are to have symptoms. If you have higher-than-normal blood sugar and don't drink enough liquids, you can get dehydrated. This can make you feel dizzy and weak, and it can lead to an emergency called a hyperosmolar state.

Symptoms of low blood sugar

When your blood sugar is too low, it can also cause problems. Low blood sugar can occur suddenly. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

  • Sweating.
  • Shakiness.
  • Confusion.
  • Loss of consciousness.

You're not likely to get low blood sugar unless you take insulin or some kinds of oral medicines for type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms and signs of complications

Some people already have complications of type 2 diabetes when they are diagnosed. That can happen because high blood sugar can creep up over time and cause problems without your knowing it. It's important to know about possible problems and their symptoms, such as:

If you have kidney damage, you may not notice symptoms. Early damage to your kidneys can only be found by urine tests for protein.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 05, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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Is This Normal?

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Check Your Blood Sugar Level Now
What type of diabetes do you have?
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Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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