HEALTH COACH - Type 2 diabetes: symptoms, early signs and complications

HEALTH COACH -

 Type 2 diabetes: symptoms, early signs and complications  






















 Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, although it is more common in middle-aged and older adults. But what are the first signs and symptoms of this condition? 
 
 Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar and is expected to affect 29.1 million Americans. This accounts for up to 95 percent of all cases of diabetes, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 In this article we explore the first signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes. We also examine the associated risk factors and potential complications of the disease. 




 What is a type 2 diabetes? 

  
  Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include increased fatigue, hunger and thirst.  

 People with type 2 diabetes do not or do not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the movement of blood sugar (sugar) in cells. Blood glucose is the body's source of energy and comes from food. 

 When sugar can not enter the cells, it accumulates and the body is unable to count on it for energy. If the body is unable to get glucose, the result is a symptom of type 2 diabetes. 

 A doctor may suspect diabetes if a person's blood sugar level exceeds 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL). 


 Symptoms of type 2 diabetes 

 There are a number of symptoms of type 2 diabetes that people should be aware of. Knowledge of these can help them get advice and a possible diagnosis. The earlier a person with type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner they can start treatment to manage the condition. 

 The symptoms are as follows: 

 
  Frequent urination and increased thirst : When excess glucose accumulates in the blood stream, the fluid is drawn from the body tissues. Excessive thirst occurs, which causes people with type 2 diabetes to drink and urinate more. 
  Increased hunger : in type 2 diabetes, the body did not have enough insulin to send glucose to the cells. This means that the muscles and organs are depleted, resulting in increased hunger. 
  Weight Loss : Insufficient insulin forces the body to start burning fat and muscle for energy. This causes weight loss. 
  Fatigue : When the cells are left without enough glucose, the body becomes tired. Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms of diabetes because it interferes with everyday life. 
  Blurred vision : If the blood sugar is too high, liquids can be drawn from the lenses of the eyes, causing swelling. Fuzzy vision is usually temporary, but it affects the ability to see clearly. 
  Infections and sores : Type 2 diabetes slows recovery time for infections and wounds. People with this type of diabetes take longer to heal because blood circulation is poor and they may have other nutritional deficiencies. 
 
 Symptoms in children 

 Type 2 diabetes often affects children who are: 

 
 female 
 all the weight 
 resistant to insulin 
 American-Indian, Afro-American, Hispanic or Latino, or Asian 
 
 Children may experience the following symptoms: 

 
 weight loss despite the increase in appetite and hunger 
 extreme thirst and dry mouth 
 frequent urination and urinary tract infections 
 fatigue 
 blurred vision 
 slow cicatrisation of cuts 
 numbness or tingling in hands and feet 
 itchy skin 
 
 Parents who notice the symptoms of type 2 diabetes should notify the doctor immediately. 

 Symptoms in the elderly 

 At least 25.9% of seniors (aged 65 years and over) in the US are diabetic and may have some or all of the classic symptoms of type 2 diabetes. 

 In addition, they may experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

 
 flu fatigue, which includes feeling lethargic and chronically weak 
 urinary tract infections 
 numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, legs and feet due to circulation and nerve damage 
 dental problems, including infections of the mouth and red and inflamed gums 
 Early signs 

  
  An early classic diabetes symptom can be a cut that takes a long time to heal.  

 Most people do not experience early symptoms and may not have symptoms for many years. 

 A possible early sign of type 2 diabetes is dark skin on certain areas of the body, including: 

 
 the neck 
 elbows 
 the knees 
 
 Some early classic symptoms of diabetes include: 

 
 frequent infections of the bladder, kidney or skin 
 cuts that take longer to heal 
 fatigue 
 extreme hunger 
 increased thirst 
 urinary frequency 
 blurred vision 
 
 After years of having subtle symptoms, the symptoms of a person will become more obvious and will lead to other health problems. 

 Prediabetes and prevention of diabetes 

 Pre-diabetes is indicated by slightly elevated blood glucose levels and is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. 

 A 2016 report published in  The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine  examined a 2012 survey of people aged 45 and over and found that 33.6% had a prediabetes. Despite the fact that these people had a prediabetes, there was no note in their medical tables regarding recommendations for lifestyle modifications and no prescribed medication. 

 CDC report that at least 86 million American adults have a prediabetes. Most of them are willing to talk to their doctors about diabetes prevention. 

 A study conducted in 2016 by the Feinberg Faculty of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago explained how adults with prediabetes considered the risk of developing diabetes. He also looked at their attitudes with regard to potential opportunities to prevent diabetes. 

 Many interviewees misjudged the risk factors and did not know about lifestyle changes and treatment options. However, they were open to discussing opportunities for prevention. 


 Complications of diabetes 

  
  The feeling of dizziness and weakness can be a symptom of hypoglycemia  

 Diabetes can cause a number of health complications if it is not managed properly. 

 Some of them can be serious, and they can mean that a person needs urgent medical attention. Others are more long-term and less worrisome. 

 Emergency complications 

 If blood sugar falls below 70 mg / dl, it is called hypoglycemia. A blood glucose test at home can check for hypoglycemia. 

 Early recognition of hypoglycemia is essential because very low blood sugar levels can cause convulsions and could put someone in a coma. 

 Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: 

 
 confusion 
 vertigo 
 feeling weak 
 heart palpitations 
 fast heart beats 
 mood changes 
 loss of consciousness 
 transpiration 
 clamminess 
 
 Hypoglycemia can be self-treated if the symptoms are mild. Eating a snack with about 15 grams (g) of glucose may help. Examples include: 

 
 some pieces of hard candy 
 a cup of orange juice 
 a teaspoon of honey 
 
 Blood glucose tablets can also increase sugar levels. 

 A person should go to the emergency room immediately if the blood sugar remains dangerously low for more than one hour, and after consuming glucose and taking medication. 

 Frequent and severe hypoglycemic episodes should be brought to the attention of a physician. 

 Long-term complications 

 Glucose control can prevent complications. Although long-term complications develop slowly, they can become fatal and disabling. 

 Some possible complications of diabetes are: 

 
 diseases of the heart and blood vessels 
 arterial hypertension 
 nerve damage (neuropathy) 
 foot damage 
 eye ​​damage and blindness 
 kidney disease 
 hearing problems 
 skin problems 
 Diagnosis and treatment 

 People should consult their doctor as soon as they begin to experience any of the above symptoms. A doctor can diagnose type 2 diabetes with blood tests that measure the level of glucose in the blood. 

 The goal of treatment is to reduce high blood sugar levels and prevent complications. There are a number of factors that help normalize blood glucose levels, including: 

 
 a healthy diet 
 physical activity 
 other lifestyle changes 
 injections of insulin 




 
 Perspectives 

 Although diabetes can not be cured, most people with diabetes can lead a healthy life by properly managing their condition. 

 People who lose weight and are active may not need medication. This is because, at the ideal body weight, insulin of the body and a person's dietary choices, should control blood sugar levels. 

Written by Lana Barhum