Warning Signs Of Diabetes
Diabetes is a fairly common and serious health condition that often goes unnoticed in its early stages. There are two main types- Type 1 and type 2. Both types share some similar signs and symptoms, but they also have differences. It can affect children and adults.
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Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition which renders your pancreas unable to produce insulin. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, and comes about rather quickly within a matter of weeks or months. Type 2 diabetes however, which typically develops in adulthood, develops slowly over the course of several years and may not show any obvious symptoms at all. Type 2 occurs when your body stops responding to insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas. Insulin helps your cells take in sugar from your blood. So how can you determine which type of diabetes you have? The only way to know for sure is by getting tested. The most commonly used tests are the A1C test and the plasma glucose test.
The Risk Factors Of Developing Diabetes
There are certain risk factors for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Adults can develop type 1 diabetes, but that is quite rare.
Type 1 risk factors include: children, adolescence, and those with an immediate relative with type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 risk factors include:
– Being over age 45
– Obesity
– Living a sedentary lifestyle
– Smoking
– Having a family history of diabetes
– High blood pressure
– Abnormal triglyceride or HDL cholesterol levels
– Having a history of insulin resistance
– Certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Native American, Alaskan Native, Hispanic, or Black
Is there anything you can do to cure diabetes or prevent diabetes from developing from the get-go? Unfortunately, there are no cures and they cannot be prevented. But the good news is, it is very possible to control and manage your symptoms. If you have type 1, you’ll have to take insulin for the rest of your life. If you have type 2, make an effort to be more physically active and carefully watch what you eat. These strategies will significantly help in keeping your symptoms from spiraling out of control.
Now that we know all of that vital information, if you or someone you know suspects that they may have some form of diabetes, following is a list of some of the most telltale warning signs to look out for. Please note and remember that these symptoms can be experienced with various other health problems as well. So, if you are experiencing any of them, get tested by your doctor to be certain if it’s diabetes. It could be something else entirely.
Warning Sign #1: Sudden Or Unintentional Weight Loss (Type 1)
Have you noticed that you’re losing weight and getting skinnier, but you haven’t been doing anything that could explain it or cause it? Have you been eating a lot, but your weight keeps dropping? This is a possible warning sign that your pancreas is failing to produce the insulin your body needs to regulate your blood sugar levels, causing a lack of insulin, which leads to high levels of an acid called ketones and noticeable weight loss.
Warning Sign #2: Urinating Too Frequently
Do you often feel the urge to urinate many times during the day or night, even though you did not have a lot to drink? This is a warning sign that your blood sugar levels are too high, so your body is trying to get rid of excess sugars through your urine. This is an indication that, although your pancreas is releasing insulin, it is forcing it to work harder and release more than it should because your body is failing to utilize the insulin for blood sugar regulation.
Warning Sign #3: Extreme Fatigue
Are you tired and sleepy throughout the day, even after a full and good night’s sleep? This is a warning sign for many different illnesses and health problems, but is also common with those who suffer from diabetes.
Warning Sign #4: Unquenchable Thirst
This symptom is naturally connected with frequent urination. If your body is forced to use more water to flush out excess sugars from your blood, then it is inevitable that you will feel thirsty, especially after ingesting high amounts of sugar. This is an indication that your body is failing to utilize the insulin being released by your pancreas.
Warning Sign #5: Blurry Vision
When your blood sugar levels get too high, it begins to damage the small blood vessels in your eyes. If your diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to permanent eye damage and blindness.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes is no joke or trivial matter. If you suspect that you may have a form of diabetes, don’t wait on it or put if off. Make an appointment with your doctor to get tested today.
