Type 2 Diabetes Guide

First Signs of Diabetes - Early Warnings You May Have Type 2 Diabetes

tends to develop slowly, over time. Many people with the disease go undiagnosed - possibly because they don't recognize the symptoms (and thus don't bring it up with their doctors), or they're afraid to in case a is confirmed. However, knowing the is important: it allows you to make changes that could allow you to ... or, if diabetes is confirmed, you can start a plan of .

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What's the big deal if diabetes goes undiagnosed? Untreated diabetes can lead to much more , including , kidney problems, vision problems, circulatory problems (if serious and untreated, can lead to amputation), and more. Aside from the complications, diabetics have many symptoms that don't allow them to feel their best.

Risk Factors

? The primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are:

  • A ;
  • Being overweight or ;
  • A sedentary lifestyle with little or no exercise;
  • A poor diet high in sugary, refined, or processed foods.

Carrying excess weight in one of the prime indicators that you are at risk for diabetes. Being overweight causes your body to become less sensitive to insulin, a hormone in the body which lowers blood sugar. often leads to a diagnosis of diabetes unless you take steps to lower your risk.

Symptoms to Watch For

You may experience one or more of these symptoms, in greater or lesser degree. Every individual is different. Be alert for these signs and consult your doctor especially if you are at risk for the disease. Symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst. Your mouth may feel dry and you have the urge to drink a lot.

  • Lots of bathroom breaks - both as a result of drinking more, and because your body will try to reduce the glucose in your blood by releasing it in urine.

  • Increased hunger. Increased hunger can lead you to eat more, which can lead you to gain more weight, which in turn reduces the insulin sensitivity of your body even more.

  • Feeling "run-down". Since a diabetic's body can't absorb blood glucose properly -- and glucose is converted to energy -- diabetics tend to feel tired a lot.

  • Tingling in your hands or feet. This is called . It occurs because diabetes damages the nervous system.

  • Slow-healing wounds or infections, or increased or recurring wounds or infections. Poor circulation is another condition caused by diabetes. To heal, the tissues of the body need blood -- and if they don't get sufficient amounts of it, they heal much more slowly.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Dry or .

Your doctor can discuss your family history, risks, and symptoms and may recommend having a done. This will determine whether your , whether you're considered , or if you are diabetic. Note that sometimes blood glucose levels can be normal for years before diabetes is confirmed. If you are at risk it's best to take immediate action to lower your risk.

Awareness of the first signs of diabetes will help you to catch the disease early. By following a strict treatment plan you may be able to reverse the course of the disease or at least control it and minimize the risk of developing . Even if you don't currently show symptoms, you can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by maintaining (or reaching) a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and eating a diet rich in a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy.

 

 

The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual situation should be directed to your doctor.