Diabetes is an increasingly common disease that affects your ability to utilize energy and sugar from the food you eat. Type 2 diabetes occurs when someone's body can no longer produce enough insulin, and it can have additional consequences for your long-term health. This makes it important for anyone who may have this condition to visit a health care facility to detect and manage it as soon as possible. 

What Are Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

1. Changes in Vision

Diabetes affects your blood sugar levels, which, in turn, has several effects on your body. Diabetic retinopathy is quite common and damages the blood vessels in your eyes, causing them to swell. You'll notice blurry vision and may start seeing floaters. If the condition goes on long enough, you could experience permanent damage. 

If you have glasses, you may think it's normal to get blurry vision and that you'll need a new prescription. However, if you just recently changed your prescription and you experience other symptoms, you'll need to get tested by a health care professional. 

2. Increased Urine and Thirst

Your kidneys are in charge of reabsorbing glucose as it passes through. But since someone with diabetes has too much insulin, your kidneys can't process the extra amount. This will result in more frequent urination, and, in turn, you'll be thirstier. The average person goes to the bathroom about four to seven times a day, so if you go more than this, it could be because of diabetes. 

3. Slower Healing Times

Diabetes can lead to less efficient blood circulation and nerve damage. As a result, when you get a cut, this lowered circulation can cause an injury to heal at a much slower rate or not heal at all. 

4. Unexpected Weight Loss 

People with diabetes can't properly utilize insulin, meaning a lot of energy intake goes unused. As a result, your body will burn stored energy instead. You may notice that you lose weight quickly, even without any changes to your diet or exercise frequency. 

If you notice the above symptoms and need to get tested for diabetes, contact Tug River Health Association in Gary, WV. They're a non-profit health care agency working to provide quality medical care services. Whether you need routine exams or urgent care, they can help. Call (304) 448-2101 or visit the website for more information about their health care services.