Understanding The Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Unfortunately, it is very common for the symptoms of diabetes to be confused with signs of other chronic diseases. In most cases, Type 2 Diabetes does not generally present itself until the age of 40. As of late however, more and more children are being diagnosed with this chronic illness. The root cause is believed to be the high obesity rate of children today as well as the lack of physical activity in their daily lives.
For the most part, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the most commonly diagnosed form of the illness. This class of diabetes is non-insulin dependent or NIDDM and can easily be managed with a proper diet and exercise regimen. However, if this particular type of diabetes goes on without treatment, renal and cardiovascular disease can be the result.
With Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed for years causing a delay in treatment. It is characterized by a resistance to the insulin that is being produced by the islet cells located in the pancreas.
In An Emergency:
Persons who don’t know they are diabetic are at high risk for an emergency event when their symptoms become overwhelming. There is an additional problem of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the complete opposite of what diabetes mellitus is.
There are two types of a diabetic emergency:
Hyperglycemia occurs with not enough insulin and too much glucose in the blood. This is caused by eating more than you should, no physical activity, and you didn’t take the proper amount of insulin. This can lead to a diabetic coma. This person is in need of insulin.
Hypoglycemia exhibits itself when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose, which can lead to insulin shock. This condition is directly related to too much exercise, not eating enough, and injecting too much insulin. This person is in need of sugar.
The emergency measures are the same for both conditions. If the person is conscious, getting them something to eat or drink, such as orange juice, milk, or a candy bar will help reduce symptoms. Then get medical help as quickly as possible.
What are the early signs?
Elevated urinary output: Occurs due to elevated glucose levels and the body’s attempt to get rid of it. Excessive thirst: Is due to the frequent urination, causing dehydration Impaired vision: Vision may be blurred due to damage to the ocular vascular system Feelings of hunger: Caused by excessive insulin that is not being used properly Lethargy: Is related to the elevated glucose levels Erectile dysfunction Frequent bacterial and fungal infections Slow healing wounds:
If you are experiencing some or all of the signs and symptoms, the next step is visiting your health care provider for proper testing to determine the cause. Types of testing include:
Blood glucose test: Normal values for glucose is around 110 mg/dl. A reading of 126 mg/dl or more is indicative of diabetes. If your blood sugars are high on two occasions of testing, the diagnosis is most likely diabetes.
Other testing includes:
A Fasting Plasma Glucose An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) A Random Plasma Glucose Test – No fasting is involved.
Fasting for eight hours before many of these tests is crucial in achieving a true, accurate reading of your glucose levels. When we eat, our glucose level naturally rises, thus the reason for fasting.
Being knowledable of the signs and symptoms combined with being aware of your personal risk factors for diabetes is a highly beneficial step in seeking early treatment and preventing the possibility of severe complications.