When I was growing up, my mother feared that I had diabetes, I was one of the lucky ones and it passed me by, however my mother was smart to watch for diabetes symptoms.
Diabetes Statistics: Approximately 8% of the population in the United States has diabetes. This has increased by over 13% from 2005 to 2007; we must recognize the diabetes symptoms if we’re going to gain the upper hand on diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset, occurs when the body own immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. These are the body’s only mechanism to generate insulin naturally and regulate our blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes, previously known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset, is the largest section of diabetes suffers, account for over 90% of all cases. This type of diabetes occurs when our body begins to develop a resistance to insulin.
This type of diabetes is closely associated with.
Older age Obesity Family history Physical inactivity, and Race/ethnicity
Speaking in general terms, diabetes is what happens when there are high levels of glucose in your bloodstream. In someone who has a normal and healthy pancreas, insulin is produced naturally, allowing the body’s blood sugars to be properly regulated. Conversely, if the pancreas does not operate effectively, the body does not generate enough insulin, and the body may develop diabetes.
While this is not a definitive list, a very short list of diabetes symptoms would be…
An overwhelming hunger, coupled with an almost debilitating thirst
The urge to urinate quite frequently
Being very tired or fatigue for no apparent reason
If you’re experiencing any of these diabetes symptoms that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve contracted diabetes, it does mean you should consult with your doctor or health care professional and take a glucose tolerance test, which should indicate conclusively whether you have diabetes. Remember that diabetes symptoms are an indication, not necessarily a statement that you have diabetes.
For the purposes of this article will assume someone has Type 1 diabetes and that you’ve consulted your doctor. Normally this treated with a strict dietary regimen, regular exercise and suggested weight loss, coupled with insulin prescribed by your doctor.
Type 2 diabetes is in most cases less severe, can often be treated with a sound dietary regimen, exercise and weight loss without the need for insulin. While initially that may seem much the same as Type 1, insulin is normally not required. This type of diabetes is also known as Late-Onset Diabetes, possibly because it normally occurs in those of middle or elderly age.
If you’re a parent and have a child showing diabetes symptoms, they could be experiencing juvenile onset diabetes, and an immediate doctor’s visit is strongly recommended.
WHEN DIABETES SYMPTONS INDICATE A CALL TO YOUR DOCTOR:
You feel very thirsty and find yourself urinating, much more often than normally.
You become nauseous, for no apparent reason, and this happens more than once.
Weight loss has become an issue, and you’re unsure why you’ve lost weight.
Your breathing has changed, and you notice your breathing deeper and more rapidly than before.
Your breath smells very strange, and even brushing your teeth are gargling with mouthwash, it’s only a temporary solution.
You find that your vision has become blurred, possibly you feel weak and tired, and you’re thinking is not as clear as it should be.
You notice that your coordination is not as good as it should be.
You have a small cut that simply won’t heal.
People can and do live with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, however early detection is the key to health and longevity. If you or someone close has been displaying diabetes symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
By: June Carr
Archive for February, 2010
Diabetes Symptoms – Recognizing Them Early
February 26th, 2010Diabetes Symptoms In Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
February 26th, 2010
In diabetes, the symptoms can vary depending on whether a person has type one or type two diabetes.
Before diagnosis the symptoms may be more obvious, but after treatment and the glucose levels are more stabilized, diabetic symptoms will often reduce or go away.
However, type 2 diabetes can be sometimes so subtle that there are no noticeable symptoms, and hence is only diagnosed with a blood test.
In this article, let’s look at the symptoms can be present in diabetes, both type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non insulin dependent) diabetes.
The symptoms on type 1 diabetes
In type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes, the symptoms are serious and very severe when the illness starts.
The symptoms include the following:
1. Excessive thirst and excessive drinking
2. Excessive urination, otherwise known as polyuria
3. Loss of weight
4. Excessive hunger and eating. Notice how it’s a condition where despite eating more, there’s weight loss.
5. Feeling unwell, getting infections
6. And type 1 diabetes can present as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this state, the sugar levels are very high, there’s acidosis in the blood, and even collapse and coma.
So when type 1 diabetes starts, it’s a very serious condition that requires medical attention right away. Treatment is needed in type 1 diabetes and can’t be reversed with ‘lifestyle changes’.
The symptoms on type 2 diabetes
The symptoms in type 2 diabetes include the following:
1. Increased thirst and drinking
2. Increased urination
3. Recurrent infections such as skin infections eg fungal or bacterial amongst others
4. Long term complications of diabetes.
Long term consequences of diabetes include heart conditions, deteriorating eye health, kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease (blockages to arteries in eg the legs causing pain in the legs during walking), and peripheral nerve disease.
Many people at risk of type 2 diabetes are also overweight and have other associated conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
So as you can see, there are various ways in which diabetes can present. In type 1 especially, the symptoms are serious and can be life threatening. It’s important to seek medical care immediately.
In type 2 diabetes, it can present with similar symptoms or sometimes more subtle symptoms.
In both cases, it’s important to seek the advice of your doctor about how to manage and treat the condition.
By: Matt Hamburg
Diabetes Diet, Diabetes Planner and Carb Counting
February 24th, 2010
Carbohydrates are broken down by insulin into glucose. Type 1 diabetics don’t produce the insulin needed to convert carbs into glucose. Type 2 diabetics produce insulin, but not enough to break all the carbs down into glucose. Carbohydrates are important because they provide the body with the energy needed to function. Diabetics have a very special and challenging relationship with carbohydrates: you need them, but the wrong amounts can wreck havoc on your blood sugar levels and potentially make your diabetes worse.
So, how do diabetics count carbs? By understanding the careful balance of too much and too little carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are important aspects of a diabetic diet and should comprise about half of a diabetic’s daily intake. However, it’s also important to make sure you’re eating the right carbs. Stay away from simple carbs. These tend to be white flours and simple starches like potatoes. Simple carbs are digested so quickly by your body they spike insulin levels and disrupt your blood sugars. Complex carbs, on the other hand, tend to be unrefined and unprocessed whole grains like whole wheat, quinoa, barley, and spelt. Whole grains don’t affect your blood sugar levels like simple carbs because they take longer to digest. Whole grains also provide other dietary benefits like increasing your fiber intake and helping to lower cholesterol levels.
Counting carbs is an essential element of a healthy diabetic diet. Choosing the right carbs helps by not disrupting your blood sugars and by providing energy, nutrients, and other essential health benefits. Using a carb counter can provide you with a safe and accurate way to count carbs in thousands of foods –even when you dine out. With all the changes to your lifestyle that diabetes brings, taking the worry and guesswork out of counting carbs is easy with a carb counter.
By: Kandpal Subhash
