Diabetes can affect men and women at any age. It can even occur in children. Before we discuss the different symptoms for diabetes, let's go quickly over the 2 main types of diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly. Patients must carefully plan meals, monitor blood sugar, and take insulin as needed.
Since Type 1 diabetes results from a genetic predisposition as well as an autoimmune condition, it is difficult to prevent. However, some studies have revealed a correlation between Vitamin D and a lower rate of Type 1 diabetes, which suggests that drinking Vitamin D-enriched milk as children may lower the incidence of Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes causes insulin resistance. Some of the known causes include eating a diet high in fat, being overweight, and having a history of diabetes in the family (genetics).
It can often be avoided with exercise and healthy eating habits. Eating lean meats and fresh vegetables and limiting processed foods will have a significant impact. While a low fat diet, free of partially hydrogenated fat, is advisable, it is important to have some of the good fats such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Diabetes Signs and Risk Factors
You need to be aware of diabetes signs and symptoms so that you can recognize the condition and begin preventive measures to avoid debilitating complications.
Early warnings include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased fluid intake, extreme hunger, and superficial wounds healing more slowly.
Blurred vision, which can occur when blood glucose levels are elevated for long periods of time, is another one of the symptoms for diabetes. Regular eye exams are especially important once a person has been diagnosed with diabetes.
One may feel weakness and exhaustion when the body fails to produce insulin properly, as well as when the body does not process energy correctly. In Type 1 diabetes unexpected weight loss may occur.
While Type 1 diabetes comes on suddenly, Type 2 symptoms for diabetes develop slowly.
Diabetes can also cause neurological damage, which can be irreversible if glucose levels continue to remain high for a number of years. Tingling and numbness in the hands, feet and legs may be an indication of nerve damage. Numbness may also increase risk of injury and infection. Diabetics should do regular self examination of the feet for possible cuts or infection. Also, be aware of calluses because they can develop into ulcers.
Poor circulation makes it harder to get rid of infections. Insensitivity to heat and cold can also lead to problems if one is not careful.
By Diana Beatty
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