Thread: How can people have type 2 diabetes and not know it?

I'm doing my biology prep and I'm not sure!

maybe they aren't aware they had symptoms, they are afraid to go to the doctor, or they don't care

Yes they can. Since it is often called "Adult Onset Diabetes" people eat the same way they always have not knowing that their pancreas quit producing insulin at the rate it used to. Sometimes it takes an obvious symptom - like someone passing out or decline in eyesight - for them to realize it.

And since most glucose tests call for 'fasting' blood work it can be missed if an HbA1c isn't done too.

People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. some people can have symptoms and other may not have any

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, life-long disease that is often accompanied by obesity and high cholesterol.When the body's insulin does not work effectively. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood
Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is necessary for glucose to move from the blood to the inside of the cells.
Unless glucose gets into cells, the body cannot use it for energy. Excess glucose remains in the blood, and is then removed by the kidneys. The symptoms inlcude excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, and fatigue.
Type 2 diabetes usually occurs gradually. Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight at the time of diagnosis. However, the disease can also develop in lean people, especially if elderly.

Many people who have type 2 diabetes and do not know it mayhave no signs or symptoms. Symptoms can also be so mild that you might not even notice them. Some people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes.

Symptoms include

•increased thirst
•increased hunger
•fatigue
•increased urination, especially at night
•weight loss
•blurred vision
•sores that do not heal

Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. If you find out early that you have diabetes, then you can get treatment to prevent damage to your body.
Asking a doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. a doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, prediabetes, or diabetes.

hope this helps you out !