7 Early Warning Signs You Might Be Suffering From Type 2 Diabetes
The American Psychological Association came out with a survey that reported that Millennials are the most stressed-out generation. That being said, type 2 diabetes is a condition that has been scientifically linked with stress.
It' s pretty easy to be dismissive about chronic diseases when you are young, but the truth is, this is a health issue that can occur at any time. Millennials are just as much at risk as anyone else, according to the CDC. In fact, even pets can be affected by diabetes and may be prescribed insulin.
When a person has type 2 diabetes, his or her blood glucose levels are elevated, and the body is unable to utilize insulin as it should. This in effect overworks the pancreas and strains many other vital organs. In many cases, diabetes and prediabetes show no symptoms, but here are seven telltale signs some people exhibit that indicates something isn't right:
1. Frequent Urination
This is a direct effect of the kidneys having to process the extra sugar that builds up along with liquids in the system.
2. Constant Thirst
Again, the accelerated filtration of fluids and glucose contribute to the rapid loss of water in the body, causing one to feel thirstier than normal.
3. Excessive Fatigue
We get our energy from metabolizing glucose. In addition to the effects of dehydration on the body, when you have diabetes, this entire process is dysfunctional, and it can cause general feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
4. Problems With Vision
The dehydration that people with diabetes experience affects the eyes by decreasing the amount of fluid available to the lenses, which leads to problems focusing. It can also lead to damage of the blood vessels in the retina and blindness if left untreated.
5. Prolonged Healing Time Of Cuts, Bruises And Infections
It is believed that experiencing frequent infections with diabetes affects the body's ability to heal itself, due to the stress caused by constantly high blood sugar levels.
6. Losing Weight With No Change In Your Lifestyle And Extreme Hunger
The absorption of glucose by cells is hampered by diabetes, causing you to feel hungry because your cells are not obtaining nourishment as they should. At the same time, due to the rapid release of water and calories through urine, you're not really absorbing all of the nutrients that you take in.
7. Numbness And Tingling To The Extreme
As diabetes directly affects the blood in one's system, it can cause damage of the nerves, which results in loss of sensation in the hands and feet. It is the reason why some people with diabetes have had to undergo amputation.
There are several tests you can discuss with your doctor that can confirm whether or not you may be prediabetic or actually have type 2 diabetes, including the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Another alternative is the A1C, which does not require fasting to measure blood glucose levels. Your doctor can educate you on the testing procedures and how to prepare for them. You can find more information about diabetes symptoms, testing and diagnosis options by visiting diabetes.org.
It's possible to manage diabetes through diet and exercise, but medication (insulin) may also be prescribed to keep it under control. Ask your doctor what steps you need to take to prevent yourself from developing diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed, ask what your test results mean as far as your diet and exercise needs.
If you discover you're affected by type 2 diabetes, it's important to take this information seriously and seek treatment as soon as possible to protect yourself from complications of this condition. Always consult a medical professional if you suspect an illness and before you begin any treatment regimen.
