Type 2 diabetes symptoms: Dizzy spells could be a sign of the condition
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Signs of type 2 diabetes appear gradually, so it’s vital to be aware of the early symptoms of the condition. Better yet, there are ways to minimise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place.
The Global Diabetes Community confirmed dizzy spells are a common warning sign of type 2 diabetes.
Feeling unsteady and unbalanced could be due to low blood pressure, as the heart struggles to sufficiently pump blood to the brain.
This tends to occur when you suddenly stand up from a sitting to lying position.
“As the blood momentarily fails to reach the brain, a spinning sensation, unsteadiness or even fainting can occur,” said the Global Diabetes Community.
Another cause of dizzy spells (when you have type 2 diabetes) is hyperglycaemia.
Hyperglycaemia means there’s too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream, which can lead to polyuria.
Polyuria is the frequent urge to urinate, as the body aggressively tries to remove excess sugar from the body.
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In turn, this can then lead to dehydration as too much fluid is flushed from out of the body.
Low levels of water in the body may make it difficult for the brain to function correctly, hence lightheadedness occurs.
“If you are suffering from bouts of dizziness that are recurrent or persistent you should go and see a doctor,” advised the Global Diabetes Community.
Warning signs of type 2 diabetes
The other warning signs of type 2 diabetes include:
- Fatigue
- Polyphagia
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Blurred vision
- Genital itching
- Slow healing wounds
- Regular thrush infections
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Sudden weight loss
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Polyphagia
Polyphagia is another term for increased appetite; this means you often feel hungry, even if you’ve recently eaten.
It’s one of the three main warning signs of the condition, as well as polyuria and polydipsia.
Polydipsia
This terms refers to an unquenchable thirst, meaning no matter how much you drink throughout the day, you still feel thirsty.
Polyuria
Drinking so much water throughout the day will mean you’re going to make lots of bathroom trips – increased urination is known as polyuria.
Minimise your risk of type 2 diabetes
The charity Diabetes UK explained you can reduce your risk of the condition by “eating well” and “moving more” – but what does this mean?
Diet
“Choose drinks without added sugar,” said Diabetes UK. This means no sugar in your tea or coffee, and stay away from full-sugar fizzy drinks.
Eat whole grains, such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, wholemeal flour, wholegrain bread and oats.
Other healthy sources of carbohydrates include: fruit and vegetables; pulses, such as chickpeas, beans and lentils; and unsweetened yoghurt and milk.
There are certain vegetables that have been specifically associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, said Diabetes UK; these are:
- Apples
- Grapes
- Berries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Watercress
- Rocket
If you’re a meat eater, do cut down on red and processed meat; instead, opt for chicken, turkey and fish.
Move more
“Moving a little more makes a big difference,” said the charity; you should aim for 30 minutes of “moderate activity”, five times per week.
Moderate activity refers to any activity where your breathing is increased, but you’re still able to talk.
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