[YOUR HEALTH]: Know the signs of Type 2 diabetes

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.

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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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