Type 2 diabetes strikes people of all ages, and early symptoms are
subtle. In fact, about one out of three people with type 2 diabetes don’t know
they have it.
This chronic condition stops the body’s ability to use the carbohydrates
in food for energy. The result is elevated blood sugar. Over time, this excess
sugar raises the risk for heart disease, loss of vision, nerve and organ
damage, and other serious conditions.
People with type 2 diabetes frequently have no symptoms. When symptoms
do appear, one of the first may be an increase in thirst. This is often
accompanied by additional problems, including dry mouth, increased appetite,
frequent urination — sometimes as often as every hour — and unusual weight loss
or gain.
If you have been having headaches lately, you many need to get your
blood sugar level checked. One of the signs of diabetes is frequent headaches.
As blood sugar levels become more abnormal, additional symptoms may include
headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue.
In many cases, type 2 diabetes is not discovered until it takes a
noticeable toll on health. One red flag is troubling infections, such as cuts
or sores that are slow to health, frequent yeast infections or urinary tract
infections, itchy skin, especially in the groin area.
Sexual dysfunction is common among people with diabetes. Diabetes can
cause damage to blood vessels and nerve endings in the genitals, leading to a
loss of feeling and making orgasm difficult. Other complications can include
vaginal dryness and impotence in men. It’s estimated between 35 per cent and 70
per cent of men with diabetes will have at least some degree of impotence in
their lifetime. And about one in three women with diabetes will experience some
form of sexual dysfunction.
The longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing chronic
kidney disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for
44 per cent of new cases in 2008. Controlling risk factors such as uncontrolled
diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol reduces your risk of
developing this complication. Annual screening for kidney disease and
medications, which slow the development and progression of kidney disease, are
used to reduce your risk of kidney failure.
Diabetes can also damage the tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen and
nutrients to the retina, a critical part of the eye. This is known as diabetic
retinopathy, and it can cause progressive, irreversible vision loss. It is the
leading cause of new cases of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and
74.
Over time, untreated type 2 diabetes can damage many of the body’s
systems. About two out of three people with diabetes die of heart disease.
Having diabetes also puts you at a two to four times higher risk for stroke.
People with diabetes are likely to develop plaque in their arteries, reducing
blood flow and increasing risk of clots. This hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis) raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
If your blood sugar rises when you are pregnant , you are at higher risk
of developing type 2 diabetes later on. Women who give birth to a baby weighing
over 5kg are also at risk. Having a history of polycystic ovary syndrome can
also cause insulin resistance that can lead to diabetes.
Other risk factors are out of your control, including race or ethnicity.
African Americans, Native Americans, and Asians have a higher than average
risk. Family history of diabetes is important, having a parent or sibling with
diabetes boosts your risk. Also those that are 40 and above have an increased
risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic nerve damage can make it difficult to feel your feet and detect
injury. At the same time, hardening of the arteries results in poor blood flow
to the feet. Foot sores and gangrene can occur, even from small injury. In
severe cases, infections can go unchecked and result in an amputation.
Managing diabetes
Fortunately, diabetes can be managed controlling blood sugar levels by
changing diet and losing excess weight can also cut your risk of complications.
People with type 2 diabetes should carefully monitor carbohydrate consumption
and keep the amounts of carbohydrates in your meals fairly consistent, as well
as total fat and protein intake, and reduce calories. Ask your doctor for a
referral to a registered dietitian to help you with healthy choices and an
eating plan that will work for you.
Exercise
Routine exercise, such as strength training or walking, improves the
body’s use of insulin and can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2
diabetes. Being active also helps reduce body fat, lower blood pressure, and
protect against heart disease. People with type 2 diabetes should try to get 30
minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week.
Manage stress
Stress can cause blood pressure to rise. It can also increase glucose
levels in your blood as part of your “fight or flight” response. Or you may
turn to food to cope with stress. All are bad when living with diabetes.
Instead of letting stress take its toll, try practicing relaxation techniques
such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualisation. Sometimes talking to a
friend, family member, counselor, or member of the clergy can help. If you’re
still battling stress, reach out to your doctor.
Go for test!
Testing your blood glucose level will let you know how controlled your
blood sugars are and if you need to take actions to change your treatment plan.
How often and when you test will be based on how controlled your diabetes is,
the type of therapy used to control your diabetes, and whether you are
experiencing symptoms of fluctuating sugars. Talk with your doctor to find out
how often you should use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar.
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