EP028 - Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes: Your Wake-Up Call to Remission
“Type 2 diabetes is not a one-way street—remission is possible.”
Imagine you’re tired all the time. You’re thirsty, hungry, gaining weight, and not sure why. Then your doctor says your blood sugar is high. You think, “Diabetes? Me?” Here’s the truth: that first sign is also your first chance to turn it around. In this episode of The Diabetes Podcast, we talk about what the early symptoms of type 2 diabetes symptoms really mean, the emotions that follow a diagnosis, and the simple science of getting your life back. Diabetes isn’t your destiny. It’s your wake-up call for healing.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Feeling tired all the time
Being very thirsty or having a dry mouth and lips
Peeing more often
Feeling hungry soon after eating
Blurry vision
Weight gain or feeling “not like yourself”
These signs are not random. They are your body’s warning lights.
What’s Happening Inside Your Body
Insulin is like a key that lets sugar (glucose) move from your blood into your cells for energy.
With insulin resistance, the “key” doesn’t work well. Sugar stays in the blood, and your cells don’t get the fuel they need.
You feel tired, foggy, and hungry because your cells are “starving,” even though you are eating.
Extra sugar in your blood pulls water from your tissues. You get thirsty and pee more.
Sugar in the fluid of your eyes can cause blurry vision.
Important: This is not just “too much sugar in your diet.” It’s a body-wide communication problem that can be fixed.
How Most People Find Out
Many people find out by accident. They go in for a checkup, a lab shows a high fasting blood sugar or an A1C over 6.5%, or they visit the ER for an infection or blurry vision. Insulin resistance often builds for 5–10 years before a diagnosis. Small blood vessels can be harmed years before too. That’s why early action matters.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Fear: of the unknown, of complications, of stories you’ve heard.
Shame: “I did this to myself.” Shame doesn’t help. It shuts you down.
Denial: “I feel fine, so I’m okay.” Denial delays healing.
Here’s the hope: Type 2 diabetes can go into remission. It is not a one-way street. Early action gives you the best shot.
Our 5-Step Empowered Diabetes Remission Algorithm
We built a simple, science-based roadmap so you can move from symptoms to remission. Think of it as a pathway, not just a prescription.
Awareness
Understand what’s really going on. Type 2 diabetes is a multi-system problem, not a personal failure.
Your muscles, liver, pancreas, gut, brain, and fat tissue need to “talk” to each other. In diabetes, that teamwork slips.
Good news: That communication can be restored. That’s what remission is.
Audit (aka Intelligence Gathering)
Become a detective in your own life. Track:
Food patterns (what, when, how much)
Blood sugar (finger sticks or CGM trends)
Medications
Sleep
Stress
Movement
Notice patterns:
What happens if you eat late at night?
What happens if you skip breakfast?
Which foods cause big spikes for you?
Tip: Many things affect blood sugar (there are dozens of factors), so we look for trends, not perfection.
Action
Stop “fighting” your blood sugar. Start training your body to use glucose well again. Think cellular repair.
Food:
Build meals with fiber, protein, and higher-quality carbs.
Examples:
Breakfast: Oats + chia seeds + berries
Lunch: Beans + colorful veggies + tofu or lean protein
Fiber helps your gut, lowers inflammation, and improves fullness. Diabetes “hates” fiber because it calms spikes.
Movement:
Walk after meals (even 10 minutes helps).
Do simple strength work 2–3 times a week (short sessions count).
Big muscle movers (legs and glutes) help pull sugar into cells, even with less insulin.
Sleep and Stress:
Stress hormones can raise blood sugar.
Deep sleep helps your hormones and insulin work better.
Add calming habits: a short walk, breathing, prayer, journaling, or stretch breaks.
Accountability
Most people can’t juggle all the pieces alone. That’s okay.
Check in with a guide or community that understands diabetes, nutrition, and medications.
Accountability is not shame. It’s support, feedback, and problem-solving.
Our podcast gives you simple action steps weekly so you can keep moving forward.
Adaptation
Diabetes is dynamic. Remission is dynamic too.
As your numbers improve, your plan should change with you (and medications may need safe, doctor-guided reductions).
Keep growing your strength, sleep quality, food variety, and flexibility.
Learn to spot when a “lever” drifts (stress, sleep, meals) and gently bring it back.
How the 12 Core Problems Start to Heal
While you don’t need to memorize them, here’s how your choices help:
Muscle insulin resistance: Walking and strength training open “doors” for sugar to enter cells.
Liver insulin resistance: Balanced meals, less late-night eating, and smart calories calm the liver.
Too much glucagon (from alpha cells): Steadier meals with fiber and protein quiet false “sugar release” alarms.
Gut imbalance: Beans, veggies, and fermented foods help good bacteria that reduce inflammation.
Brain/appetite mix-ups: Steady blood sugar reduces cravings and overeating.
And more: Over time, these systems start to “talk” again.
Medication vs. Metabolic Restoration
Medications can help and are sometimes needed early for safety. But a “more meds forever” plan doesn’t fix roots. Our approach focuses on restoring how your body works. That’s how remission happens.
Real-Life Wins You Can Feel
More steady energy
Clearer thinking
Fewer cravings
Better sleep
More confidence
Better numbers on your meter
Your Next Steps
Notice the signs: fatigue, thirst, frequent peeing, blurry vision, weight gain, or just “not feeling like yourself.”
Take it as a wake-up call, not a life sentence.
Start with the 5 A’s: Awareness, Audit, Action, Accountability, Adaptation.
Talk to your doctor before changing medications. Ask for a plan that supports lifestyle changes and safe reductions when ready.
Our Promise to You
At The Diabetes Podcast, remission is front and center. Every episode gives you one more doable step. We don’t chase fads. We teach you how to build a body where type 2 diabetes cannot thrive.
You are not broken. Your body is out of sync—and it can heal. Draw a line in the sand. Today can be your turning point. If you need additional help, contact us at [email protected].
References Used in This Podcast:
Disclaimer
The information in this blog post and podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin.
Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away.
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