More than 34 million Americans suffer from Diabetes and over 90% have Type 2 Diabetes.1 With diagnosis on the rise in young adults to elderly there has never been a better time to learn the early warning symptoms. It is highly recommended to check as fast as possible.
The Rising Concern Of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps turn sugar (glucose) from foods into energy for cells throughout the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost one out of every three Americans has pre-diabetes, putting them at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, blindness and amputation.2 Pre-diabetes is the fork in the road opportunity to become aware and treat the condition or it will develop into later stages of Diabetes.
Whose At Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes can affect any age group and ethnicity however it is mostly affects the people in their 30s and 40s but is prevalent in over 50 to. If you have a family history of diabetes you’re more inclined to develop this disease and routine assessment is highly suggested.
The Early Warning Signs Of Pre-Diabetes
- Blurred Vision – With fluid levels changing in the body it can cause your eyes to swell up causing a change in shape and inability to focus.
- Dizzy or Light Headed – With no control of one’s bodily functions, you may look “spacey” or have an inability to keep up with what is going on.
- Increased Urination – When your body starts to draw extra water for energy production it will eventually have a frequent need to urinate.
- Excessive Thirst – To keep water in the body, you will have to increase the amount of water that is directed to the urine.
- Dry Mouth or Itchy Skin – Because of the increased urination your body will have less moisture for other cells.
- Lack Of Energy – Feeling fatigue could be a result of your body lacking insulin and ability to convert glucose into energy. This can also increase hunger too.
- Heart Palpitations – The lack of glucose in the muscles and organs can cause them to fatigue and eventually start to fail.
*note these conditions can be caused by various disease
Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
As the condition worsens from pre-diabetes to Type 2 Diabetes people can notice the following:
- Yeast Infections – With an excess of glucose in the body yeast has an ideal environment to grow.
- Slow Healing Cuts – Over time high blood sugar can affect your bodies ability to heal because of nerve damage.
- Pain or Numbness – Another result from nerve damage is pain or numbness in the bodies extremities most hands, feet or legs.
Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes
To diagnose this condition your doctor will test you for high blood glucose levels. Several tests are available which can be done at home, in the office or in a lab.
- Urine Tests – To detect high sugar levels in the urine test strips are dipped into your toilet after you’ve urinated on them. Your doctor will then use a meter to measure your sugar levels.
- Blood Tests – Blood tests are performed from a small pin prick of blood from a finger. The blood is tested for various factors of glucose and insulin.
- Glucose Tolerance Test – This test checks your blood glucose at home or in the doctor’s office while following a very low carbohydrate diet.
Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes
The modern treatment for Type 2 Diabetes consists of a combination of oral and injectable medications. The primary goal is to achieve a near normal fasting blood glucose level with the help of diet, exercise and oral medications.
Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes
So far the best method in preventing Type 2 Diabetes is making the right lifestyle choices from an early age. Focusing on factors like:
Eating A Well Balanced Diet – A lot of people have lost weight without even trying by just eating the wrong foods. It is important to eat in a healthy way. A well-balanced diet includes:
- Fruits and Vegetables – Eating fruits and vegetables daily ensures that you have vitamins, minerals and fiber for your body to thrive.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Whole Foods are rich in omega 3s, flaxseed and salmon are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
- Protein – Protein is a vital part of your diet. Lean meat, chicken or fish will help you build muscle and burn fat.
- Low Sugar Foods – Avoid sugars and foods that have added sugars such as soft drinks, candy etc.
Exercise Often – Diabetes is more prevalent among people who are not active. Daily exercise can help lower blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Quit Smoking – Clinical studies have shown that people with Type 2 diabetes who quit smoking often, have better blood glucose control.
Feeling Any Symptoms?
If you’re noticing any of the early warning signs of symptoms suggested in this post you should consult your medical doctor as soon as possible. With simple tests like a blood test your doctor can determine your blood glucose levels to see if pre-diabetes or later stage Diabetes is occurring. With treatments available you can manage this condition without letting it get worse. For the best sources in your state or more reading on signs and symptoms you can search immediately.
See Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
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