Diabetes 2

Diabetes Symptoms
The symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are similar. It is the speed
in which they manifest that differs.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms develop over a short period of time. Type 1 diabetes
is caused by an autoimmune response within the body which attacks the
precious beta cells in the pancreas. The condition is irreversible and sufferers
will need insulin supplementation for the rest of their lives.
Because there is no insulin being produced in the case of Type 1 diabetes,
symptoms develop and worsen very quickly with sufferers quickly falling into a
diabetic coma if the condition is not diagnosed.
The situation is very different with Type 2 diabetes. In this form of the
disease some insulin is still being produced and released. It may not be
enough or the cells may have become resistant and unable to utilize the insulin
that is available, but there will be some insulin present within the body. This
means that symptoms develop more slowly and progress over an extended
period of time. It can be many years before a Type 2 diabetic receives a
diagnosis.
For both types of diabetes the symptoms are the same and it's important to
seek medical help if any of the following are noticed:
Excessive Thirst – this is an early indication that all is not well. It can of course
be attributed to other factors but it is worth asking the doctor to check if this
symptom is noticed.
Frequent Urination – obviously if more fluid is going in, it has to come out.
There may be a sweet smell to the urine, indicating high sugar levels. There
can be other health conditions that cause more frequent urination and they are
all worth checking out.
Vision Shifts – high blood glucose levels can damage the smaller blood vessels,
which in turn can cause damage to the sensitive structure of the eye. Any
sudden changes in vision must be investigated promptly.
Sweet Smelling Breath – while this isn't always associated with diabetes (you
may just be a sweet person) it can be a symptom of the disease and is worth a
visit to your doctor just to be sure.
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An Increase In Appetite – a non-seasonal increase in appetite is worth noting,
especially if this is accompanied by an unexplained weight loss.
Drowsiness And Lethargy – if you've been dragging and it doesn't appear to be
getting any better, it's worth checking out. It's easy to overlook fatigue in these
days of hectic lifestyles, but if the fatigue is persistent, that's a sign that
something isn't right.
Heavy, Labored Breathing – this is difficult to associate with diabetes because it
can be attributed to a wide variety of respiratory problems. It can also be
attributed to diabetes.
Stupor And Unconsciousness – obviously, this is by far the most significant
symptom and is an indication that diabetes has been festering for a long, long
time.
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Diabetes Type 2
Diabetes Type 2, also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is the
most common form of diabetes, and its sufferers are growing by the day. As
we've already seen, this form of diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to
produce enough insulin to properly process the glucose that the body creates
from the food in takes in.
Although Diabetes 2 is commonly found in the overweight, thin people can also
develop the disease and be a Type 2 diabetic. Elderly people are also at risk for
developing Type 2. Other key factors that may determine a person's risk for
Type 2 Diabetes include the following:
· Being African-American, Hispanic, or Native American
· A history of having gestational diabetes
· An HDL cholesterol level that is above 250mg/dL or one that is lower
than 35mg/dL
· Being older than 45 years of age
· Poor diet, and low levels of exercise
· Excessive body fat, especially when found around the waist area
Type 2 Diabetes can be diagnosed through three commonly used methods.
These tests determine your glucose levels and whether or not they're an
indication of potential problems. The tests …
· The Oral glucose tolerance test.
· The Random blood glucose level test.
· The Fasting blood glucose level test.
Fasting hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar greater than 130 mg/dL
(milligrams per deciliter) after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Postprandial or after-meal hyperglycemia is defined as a blood sugar usually
greater than 180 mg/dL. In people without diabetes after-meal sugars rarely
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go over 140 mg/dL. However, occasionally after a large meal, a 1-2 hour postmeal
sugar level can reach 180 mg/dL.
Receiving a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can be shocking. However, you can
still li