What You Should Know About Being Diabetic
More and more you hear in the news that excessive weight gain can lead to type 2 diabetes. Just recently, a study revealed that as many as 6.3 million Americans are exhibiting symptoms of diabetes but have not been diagnosed yet. The burden on our healthcare system is way up in the billions. People with this disease also suffer from hypertension, kidney trouble, cardiovascular disease and neurological problems. They also need to follow strict dietary requirements and continue frequent blood sugar level testing multiple times a day, which is none too pleasant. Perhaps you’re wondering, “Am I an undiagnosed diabetic?”
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system turns against itself, attacking insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Scientists believe viral and genetic factors are at play here, with most people receiving a diagnosis when they are younger. This type of diabetes occurs evenly in males and females, but is more common in Caucasian sectors of the population, particularly in northern European countries like Sweden and Finland. The onset is sudden for a type 1 diabetic, who has blurry vision, feels constantly hungry, thirsty and fatigued, and loses weight rapidly. If they do not receive insulin everyday, they can lapse into a coma. You may need immediate medical attention if you’re always thirsty, you urinate frequently, if your breathing becomes more rapid, if your abdomen hurts or if your breath smells like nail polish remover.
The second type is someone with type 2 diabetes, which is the most common variety. Generally, older, overweight people develop this disease and minorities are more susceptible to developing it too. The third type of diabetic is a woman with gestational diabetes, which occurs only during pregnancy. Women who are African, Native American and Hispanic are more likely to develop this disease, as are women with a family history of diabetes. Women with this sort of diabetes have a 20 to 50% chance of developing type 2 within 5 to 10 years.
A diabetic can develop many problems associated with their disease, including gum disease, tooth loss, heart attack, kidney damage, nerve damage, impotence, foot amputation or stroke. The key to living a long, healthy life is to adhere to a healthy diet with proper portion sizes and high fiber foods that are low in fat and salt. You should be active every day, even if you are just taking a brisk walk. You must take your prescribed medications and look for changes with your feet and teeth. As needed, you’ll need to check your blood glucose and blood pressure. It’s also recommended that you quit smoking. By following these tips, you can still live a long and fulfilling life, despite the disease. Remember, the sooner you are diagnosed, the better, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, then be sure to ask your doctor for a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test, a Hemoglobin A1c Test or a Casual Plasma Glucose Test to be certain.
