Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. While there are many different types of diabetes, the most common form is Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes signs typically develop in adults over the age of 40, though it is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. If you have diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. This can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to a variety of serious health complications. Diabetes is a leading cause of premature death worldwide.
Early Diabetes Signs: What Are The Early Signals of Diabetes?
Many of the signs of diabetes are similar to those of other common illnesses. If you have any symptoms that may indicate diabetes, it is important to go see your doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms of diabetes may include: Polyuria (frequent urination), especially at night. Polydipsia (increased thirst). Weight loss without trying. Fatigue, particularly after eating and upon waking. Swelling in the feet or hands.
1. Do you feel very tired?
2. Are you having trouble seeing?
3. Are wounds taking longer to heal?
4. Do you have dry, itchy skin?
5. Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
Diagnosis: How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Diabetes can be difficult to diagnose at first, because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. In fact, it is estimated that around 30-40% of people with diabetes are unaware that they have it. The most common test for diabetes is a fasting blood sugar test. This test is usually performed in the morning and indicates the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Blood sugar levels vary according to the time of day, activity level and diet. The normal range for a fasting blood sugar test is between 70-100 mg/dl. Blood sugar levels greater than 126 mg/dl indicate diabetes. Diabetes can also be diagnosed by a random blood sugar test, which is done after an 8-hour fast. Random blood sugar levels greater than 200 mg dl indicate diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that all people 20 years of age or older get tested for diabetes every three years. A hemoglobin A1c test is used to screen for diabetes and blood sugar control in people with diabetes. The A1C test is not a diagnostic test for diabetes, but it can help identify problems with glucose control in adults who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of glucose in the blood. A normal level is less than 6%. Diabetes is diagnosed when levels are greater than 7.0%. Levels between 5.7% and 6.
Complications: What Are Some Complications of Diabetes?
There are numerous complications that may result from diabetes. Some of the most common include: Diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA ) – a life-threatening condition caused by very high blood glucose levels that can lead to coma or death. Other diabetes signs are heart attack and stroke as result of poor blood flow to the heart or brain. Diabetes can damage blood vessels, causing them to narrow or clog, which can eventually lead to heart attack or stroke. Diabetic retinopathy, a condition that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Renal disease (kidney disease) due to poor blood flow and high blood glucose levels. Nerve damage in the feet, legs, hands and arms. For women, diabetes can also increase the risk of: Pregnancy-related problems such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and birth defects. Menstrual disorders such as irregular periods and fertility problems.
Treatment: How Is Diabetes Treated?
Acarbose (Precose) – A medication that slows digestion of starches, which helps to lower blood glucose levels. It is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day with meals. Clinical trials have shown that acarbose reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Acarbose may be used alone or along with other medications to control gestational diabetes. Acarbose is also used to treat obesity and to prevent the stomach and intestine from absorbing too much sugar. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence (gas), and diarrhea. It can also cause skin rashes and itchiness and Acarbose should not be used in children younger than 18 years old. You should not use Acarbose if you have a digestive disorder called celiac disease, or if you are allergic to it. Talk with your doctor before using Acarbose if you have liver or kidney disease, are pregnant or breast-feeding, or have Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Prevention: How Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
The only sure way to prevent diabetes is to avoid putting on excess weight in the first place. The best way to do this is if you are overweight, is to lose weight by eating less and exercising more. If you are overweight, losing as little as 5% of your weight can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you cannot lose weight on your own, you may want to consider joining a behavioral weight-control program that includes nutrition and exercise counseling. You need to identify your own risk factors for developing diabetes and take steps to prevent or minimize them. This can be done by, identifying any increased risk of developing diabetes in yourself and your family members. You may want to ask your doctor about this. Eating a healthy diet. If you have high blood pressure, controlling it by taking your medications as prescribed and managing other risk factors. Eating more fiber, taking steps to control stress, being more active, getting more exercise and losing extra weight can help you prevent diabetes. Everyone is unique though and some people don’t have a weight issue, so evaluate your specific situation to find your best options.
Conclusion: Summarizing Main Points
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of diabetes signs so that you can seek treatment early. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out. The earlier you catch diabetes, the easier it is to manage and prevent complications. While there are no foods that “cause” diabetes, some factors can increase your risk of developing it. If you are at risk or already have diabetes, eating a healthy diet can help keep your blood glucose levels under control. Several studies have found that eating a diet high in fiber helps lower blood glucose levels. Choose a variety of fiber-rich foods. A high fiber diet is one that provides 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. That’s about 5 to 8 servings of whole grain foods and 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
