Because the early warning signs of diabetes are unspectacular, many diabetics don’t even realize they have a problem until years later. This is especially true with Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, which sometimes has no symptoms at all.
The common symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are:
-Frequent urination
-Constant thirst
-Unexplained weight loss
-Fatigue and irritability
-Increased appetite
In addition, Type 2 diabetics can experience the following symptoms:
-Blurry vision
-Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
-Tingling and numbness, particularly in the extremities
-Frequent infections, both external and internal (e.g. bladder infections)
If you are experiencing several of the above symptoms, ask your doctor for a blood sugar test. It’s particularly important to get tested if you have a history of diabetes in your family, if you are pregnant, or if you have several risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. These include obesity, a high-sugar diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and high blood pressure. Age is also a significant factor: the American Diabetes Association estimates that over 23% of Americans age 60 or older have Type 2 diabetes.
How to Cope with Diabetes
If you’ve had your blood sugar tested and your doctor gives you bad news, there are steps you can take to control or even reverse your diabetes. This is particularly true of Type 2 diabetes, which is far more common than Type 1.
In addition to medications which your doctor will prescribe, the most effective diabetes treatment is a change to diet and exercise. Reducing your sugar consumption is critical, and your doctor will likely refer you to a nutritionist who can help you work out a menu plan. Regular, moderate exercise can make an even bigger difference.
With the help of modern medicine and a few lifestyle changes, you can get and keep your diabetes under control.