Type 2 diabetes is a more and more common disease nowadays. It presents itself with a few signs and symptoms which can be easily overlooked. However, if you keep a close eye on your health, you can catch this illness early and prevent it from causing further damage to your body.
Diabetes comes with many dangerous complications, from skin problems to neurological damage. It is crucial to detect this as soon as possible. With a healthy diet plan, a regular exercise routine and the necessary medications, you can control diabetes and live on with your life normally.
The earlier you get diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the sooner you can begin treatment. The following are a number of symptoms that you should be aware of:
Polydipsia – it is the increased thirst and fluid intake. When excess sugar starts to build up in your blood stream, your cells tend to pull fluids from your tissues. This causes you to feel thirsty and drink excessive water.
Polyuria – also known as the need to urinate frequently. Because excessive thirst is one of the major markers in diabetes, you will frequently feel the need to urinate.
Polyphagia – increased appetite. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not have sufficient insulin to send your blood sugar to your organic cells. This means your muscles are deprived of the energy they need, resulting in an increased appetite.
Blurred Vision – This has the same principle as polydipsia. Because your bloodstream has so much sugar buildup, it tends to pull the fluids out from your eye lenses, resulting in a blurred vision.
Fatigue – Because the glucose your cells need to produce energy is simply floating in your bloodstream, your body becomes weak and fatigued, by not getting its normal energy supply. This is a deliberating symptom because this can ultimately interfere with your daily activities.
Infection – One evident sign of type 2 diabetes is the slowed recovery time of cuts, wounds, sores and infections. Diabetics take longer to recuperate because their body generally has nutritional deficits and the body needs enough cellular energy to be able to heal itself.
Acanthosis Nigricans – This is perhaps the most notable sign of diabetes. It is when your skin develops dark, thick and velvety patches commonly seen on your armpits, neck, elbows, knees, groin, in between your fingers and toes, and other folds in the body.
For older adults age 65 and above, some of the classic signs are still present along with these additional symptoms:
- Feeling lethargic and chronically weak
- Flu-like symptoms
- Tingling sensation in the hands, arms, feet and legs (caused by poor circulation and nerve damage)
- Inflamed gums and other dental problems
Though diabetes is complicated it is a treatable disease. The complications that come along with it are avoidable with the right approach. To help you prevent this disease, here are common risk factors that you can immediately control:
Obesity/Overweight – Obese or overweight people, particularly with belly fat are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. If you carry excess weight especially on your mid section, start exercising and eating a balanced diet to lose weight. Becoming physically active can also increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Unhealthy Diet – Diet that is composed of processed foods, red meats, sugars and unhealthy fats increases your risk by 22%. Eliminate these foods and start eating whole foods and healthier meals.
Smoking – A report produced by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that smoking is a causes type 2 diabetes mellitus, and that the risk of developing diabetes is 30% to 40% higher for active smokers than non-smokers.
In general, if you live an active lifestyle, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eliminate stress and make smart food choices, you will stay healthy. As we age, the risk of diabetes also increases. So it is even more important to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.