Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without knowing it because early symptoms can be general. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular complications later. However, the complications of diabetes mellitus are far less common and less severe in people who have well-controlled blood sugar levels.
The classic symptoms of type 2 diabetes are: -Polyuria (frequent urination) -Polydipsia (increased thirst) -Polyphagia (increased hunger)
Other symptoms that are commonly present at diagnosis include: a history of blurred vision, weight loss, itchiness, peripheral neuropathy, recurrent vaginal infections, and fatigue. Many people however have no symptoms during the first few years and are diagnosed on routine testing.
People with type 2 diabetes mellitus may rarely present with hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma, or Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)- (a condition of very high blood sugar associated with a decreased level of consciousness and low blood pressure).