Facts on Diabetes
Facts on Diabetes
Almost one third of all people with diabetes don’t know they have it. The symptoms seem so harmless, quite similar to symptoms of aging. In this article I’ll outline the different types of diabetes and some of the common symptoms of each to help you understand diabetes a little better. Knowing the facts of diabetes and seeing the warning signs is a MAJOR step in preventing the disease, for Type II anyhow (which is what I would really like to do!).
The three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes – Facts on Diabetes
Type I diabetes has also been called insulin-dependent and immune-mediated diabetes. It occurs when your body can’t produce insulin. The immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of other serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney damage.
Some of the symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss even with increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and absence of menstruation. My son Braden had almost all of these, unfortunately he was unable to tell us because of how young he was at diagnosis.
Type 2 Diabetes – Facts on Diabetes
Facts on Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type that fails to be diagnosed. It progress slowly and causes symptoms such as skin infections, poor healing, kidney problems, and vision problems. It is ordinary that neither these complications nor the diabetes is diagnosed after years of mild symptoms.
The problem is usually that people have no severe symptoms and do not seek medical care at all. They just think of the symptoms as simply getting older. For this reason it is important to get regularly tested for diabetes in the most common age group (over 40′s). It’s not uncommon for a doctor to treat other diseases, without realizing to test for diabetes. If caught before it’s full blown Type 2 diabetes you can save yourself a TON of heartache and medical expenses. PLEASE, get tested regularly if you are in the most common age group.
One of the best ways to help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes is with a sound nutrition and exercise plan. The idea is to be consistent and to find a system that offers the support and motivation to keep you on track. Many people have had success with Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and the Beachbody Challenge groups (that you can do at home).
Click to sign up and join the next challenge! The challenges start the first Monday of EVERY month!
Gestational Diabetes – Facts on Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during a woman’s pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have it. It affects 4 percent of all women during pregnancy.
Symptoms include: increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss in spite of increased appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, frequent infections including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin, and blurred vision.
Gestational diabetes can be missed in pregnancy. It usually starts with mild symptoms that often can be attributed to other things. It’s important to get tested during pregnancy because the high blood sugars from gestational diabetes can do harm to the baby and sometimes lead to other complications.
Even if you’re not pregnant, you should make it a priority to get tested. Many women have gestational diabetes and think about their symptoms as being usual during pregnancy. You never know, maybe it is, but it’s always a good idea to get tested.
If you’re having any of the symptoms for diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor. Even if you think it’s absolutely nothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Sharing these facts on diabetes could seriously help someone you know, please share!
January 14, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Great post, Paul. It’s scary, symptoms of diabetes can be so subtle they’d almost seem normal if you didn’t think about it. Thanks for the awareness!
January 22, 2013 at 7:26 am
Rachel,
It was the scariest thing for me when my little guy was diagnosed with type 1 and I want even there when “it” hit the fan when he went into DKA. My mother in law still says it’s the most scared she’s been in for her entire life. I couldn’t drive home fast enough.
January 17, 2013 at 2:46 am
Very nice information! Thanks for sharing..have a great Blogging Wednesday!
January 22, 2013 at 7:23 am
Steve,
Thanks for stopping by, it’s always a pleasure!
January 17, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Great info Paul – keep fighting the fight!
January 22, 2013 at 7:22 am
Jana,
You know I will! Thank you!
January 20, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Love all the great info here Paul! It’s a scary thing to think about but people must be aware of it thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2013 at 7:21 am
Rick,
No kidding! Ever since my 1 year old was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes I’ve been trying to get more knowledgeable. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family so this him bring diagnosed (even though type 1 is different) it’s a real wake up call.
January 23, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Keep it up! And stay healthy! Have a great Bloggy Wednesday!