Elevated Blood Sugar

• Adult Onset Diabetes, often referred to as Type 2 diabetes, typically produces symptoms in individuals older than 45. According to EMedicineHealth.com, more than 90 percent of diabetics are categorized as Type 2 diabetics. Although a variety of symptoms are related to Type 2 diabetes, the key indicator is a blood sugar level that is higher than normal, but not so high that it is categorized as diabetic. Fortunately, blood sugar levels can be lowered with proper diet and exercise, as weight loss can delay or, in some cases, prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
  
  

Weight Change

• Many adults who will develop Type 2 Diabetes further their disease by eating a significant and unproportionate amount of simple carbohydrates, which contain substantial amounts of sugar. Because of this, many adults with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight, as excessive simple carbohydrates are not part of a healthy diet. When Type 2 Diabetes sets in, the body may be motivated to consume more, as individuals with this condition secrete and produce more insulin, which stimulates the appetite. Ironically, however, unexplained weight loss is also a symptom of Type 2 Diabetes, as some diabetics are unable to process 100 percent of the calories they consume. Instead, they shed these calories, usually from sugar, in their urine.
  
  

Change in Fluids

• Because they are secreting excessive insulin, eating more and disposing of these calories through their urine, adults who are developing Type 2 Diabetes may notice that they urinate more than they used to. This is because the body is trying to rid itself of the extra sugar, or calories, that it cannot process through urine. Excessive urination, however, can lead to dehydration and, thus, excessive thirst, two more symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
  
  

Fatigue

• Individuals who are experiencing the early stages of Type 2 Diabetes are often tired, as their bodies do not function as efficiently as they should because they are unable to utilize glucose as a source of fuel. Instead, the body uses fat as fuel, according to EMedicineHealth.com, which burns up more energy and results in feelings of fatigue. The blood sugar "crash" that results from eating too many simple carbohydrates can also cause fatigue, although a diabetic's body may not respond to these carbohydrates the same way that a normal person's would.
  
  

Infection

• Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar, and high blood sugar prevents white blood cells from protecting the body against bacteria and diseases that may result from dead tissues and cells being allowed to remain in the body. The extra bacteria and presence of dead cells means that it is significantly harder for the body to heal from an injury or fight off an infection. The bacteria can also lead to common infections, such as yeast, urinary tract and skin infections. Anyone experiencing poor healing or reoccurring infections should check with their doctor to determine the cause.