Unfortunately, it is very common for the symptoms of diabetes to be confused with signs of other chronic diseases. In most cases, Type 2 Diabetes does not generally present itself until the age of 40. As of late however, more and more children are being diagnosed with this chronic illness. The root cause is believed to be the high obesity rate of children today as well as the lack of physical activity in their daily lives.
For the most part, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the most commonly diagnosed form of the illness. This class of diabetes is non-insulin dependent or NIDDM and can easily be managed with a proper diet and exercise regimen. However, if this particular type of diabetes goes on without treatment, renal and cardiovascular disease can be the result.
With Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed for years causing a delay in treatment. It is characterized by a resistance to the insulin that is being produced by the islet cells located in the pancreas.
In An Emergency:
People who are unaware they have type 2 diabetes are at an extreme risk of experiencing a diabetic emergency event when their symptoms become severe. Additionally, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can occur which is the exact opposite of diabetes mellitus.
There are two types of a diabetic emergency:
The first type of diabetic emergency is hyperglycemia. This condition occurs when there is not enough insulin and too much glucose in the blood. Factors that contribute to the onset of this event include overeating, no physical activity and not taking the proper amount of insulin. When this occurs, the patient requires insulin, without it, they can easily go into a diabetic coma.
The second type of diabetic event is called hypoglycemia. This event refers to too much insulin and not enough glucose being present in the blood which can then result in insulin shock. Common factors that trigger this event include over exercising, not eating enough food and injecting to much insulin. Someone suffering from hypoglycemia is in need of sugar.
The emergency measures are the same for both conditions. If the person is conscious, getting them something to eat or drink, such as orange juice, milk, or a candy bar will help reduce symptoms. Then get medical help as quickly as possible.
What are the early signs?
Elevated urinary output: Occurs due to elevated glucose levels and the body's attempt to get rid of it. Excessive thirst: Is due to the frequent urination, causing dehydration Impaired vision: Vision may be blurred due to damage to the ocular vascular system Feelings of hunger: Caused by excessive insulin that is not being used properly Lethargy: Is related to the elevated glucose levels Erectile dysfunction Frequent bacterial and fungal infections Slow healing wounds:
When showing these signs and symptoms, getting tested is the next step to determine the cause. Testing procedures include:
Blood glucose test: Normal values for glucose is around 110 mg/dl. A reading of 126 mg/dl or more is indicative of diabetes. If your blood sugars are high on two occasions of testing, the diagnosis is most likely diabetes.
Other testing includes:
A Fasting Plasma Glucose An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) A Random Plasma Glucose Test - No fasting is involved.
Fasting for eight hours before many of these tests is crucial in achieving a true, accurate reading of your glucose levels. When we eat, our glucose level naturally rises, thus the reason for fasting.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes, as well as one's risks for developing the disease will help in getting early treatment and prevention of complications.
For the most part, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the most commonly diagnosed form of the illness. This class of diabetes is non-insulin dependent or NIDDM and can easily be managed with a proper diet and exercise regimen. However, if this particular type of diabetes goes on without treatment, renal and cardiovascular disease can be the result.
With Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed for years causing a delay in treatment. It is characterized by a resistance to the insulin that is being produced by the islet cells located in the pancreas.
In An Emergency:
People who are unaware they have type 2 diabetes are at an extreme risk of experiencing a diabetic emergency event when their symptoms become severe. Additionally, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can occur which is the exact opposite of diabetes mellitus.
There are two types of a diabetic emergency:
The first type of diabetic emergency is hyperglycemia. This condition occurs when there is not enough insulin and too much glucose in the blood. Factors that contribute to the onset of this event include overeating, no physical activity and not taking the proper amount of insulin. When this occurs, the patient requires insulin, without it, they can easily go into a diabetic coma.
The second type of diabetic event is called hypoglycemia. This event refers to too much insulin and not enough glucose being present in the blood which can then result in insulin shock. Common factors that trigger this event include over exercising, not eating enough food and injecting to much insulin. Someone suffering from hypoglycemia is in need of sugar.
The emergency measures are the same for both conditions. If the person is conscious, getting them something to eat or drink, such as orange juice, milk, or a candy bar will help reduce symptoms. Then get medical help as quickly as possible.
What are the early signs?
Elevated urinary output: Occurs due to elevated glucose levels and the body's attempt to get rid of it. Excessive thirst: Is due to the frequent urination, causing dehydration Impaired vision: Vision may be blurred due to damage to the ocular vascular system Feelings of hunger: Caused by excessive insulin that is not being used properly Lethargy: Is related to the elevated glucose levels Erectile dysfunction Frequent bacterial and fungal infections Slow healing wounds:
When showing these signs and symptoms, getting tested is the next step to determine the cause. Testing procedures include:
Blood glucose test: Normal values for glucose is around 110 mg/dl. A reading of 126 mg/dl or more is indicative of diabetes. If your blood sugars are high on two occasions of testing, the diagnosis is most likely diabetes.
Other testing includes:
A Fasting Plasma Glucose An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) A Random Plasma Glucose Test - No fasting is involved.
Fasting for eight hours before many of these tests is crucial in achieving a true, accurate reading of your glucose levels. When we eat, our glucose level naturally rises, thus the reason for fasting.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes, as well as one's risks for developing the disease will help in getting early treatment and prevention of complications.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com where she shares her experience and knowledge about Diet for Diabetics and Diabetes Causes.
