Helping Blog

Warning signs of diabetes

 Aafte we tallk about neck pain and headache causes, Now we talk about diabetes, Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. 

Warning signs of diabetes

What are the major types of Diabetes?

  • Type 1 diabetes - Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes - Non-insulin-dependent mellitus or adult-onset diabetes.
  • Gestational diabetes - Develops in 2%-5% of all pregnancies, but usually disappears when the pregnancy is over.

Risk Factors for diabetes include:

  • Family history of diabetes
  • Obesity
  • African or Native American heritage
  • Are older than age 45:
  • Hypertension
  • A history of gestational diabetes
  • Delivered a baby weighing over nine pounds

The Warning Signs of Diabetes

  • Insulin- Dependent (onset is usually sudden)
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting

Non-Insulin Dependent (may develop slowly)

  • Any of the insulin-dependent symptoms and/or:
  • Recurring or hard to heal skin,
  • Gum or bladder infections
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Itching

If you have any of these symptoms, contact a doctor promptly. Ask for a test for diabetes

Complications of Diabetes

  • Blindness – due to diabetic retinopathy
  • Kidney Disease- due to diabetic nephropathy
  • Heart Disease and Stroke – People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease and suffer a stroke
  • Nerve Disease and Amputations – diabetes is the most frequent cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations

Recommendations

  • Eat healthy balanced meals
  • Exercise moderately
  • Avoid tobacco

For persons already affected with diabetes, these choices will improve their quality of life and, in combination with routine screenings, eye and foot exams, glucose checks, flu shots, and consultations with health care professionals, enable them to better manage the disease.