Diabetes Type2
Symptoms
Source: NHS
In this topic (16)
Thesymptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, passing more urine than usual, and feeling tired all the time.
The symptoms occur because some or all of the glucose stays in your blood and isn't used as fuel for energy. Your body tries toget rid of the excess glucose in your urine.
The main symptoms, which are common to both Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, are:
- urinating more often than usual, particularly at night
- feeling very thirsty
- feeling very tired
- unexplained weight loss
- itching around the penis or vagina,or frequent episodes of thrush
- cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- blurred vision caused by the lens of the eye becoming dry
The signs and symptoms oftype 1 diabetes are usually obvious and develop very quickly, oftenover a few weeks.
Thesesigns and symptoms aren't always as obvious, however,and it's often diagnosed during a routine check-up.
This is becausethey are often mild and develop gradually over a number of years. This means you may havetype 2 diabetes for many years without realising it.
Early diagnosis and treatment for type 2 diabetes is very important as it may reduce your risk of developing complications later on.
Hyperglycaemia
Type 2 diabetes occurs when thepancreas, alarge gland behind the stomach, can't produce enough insulin to control your blood glucose level, or when the cells in your body don't respond properly to the insulin that is produced.
This means your blood glucose levels may become very high, andis known as hyperglycaemia .
Hyperglycaemia can occur for several reasons, including:
- eating too much
- being unwell
- ineffective diabetes medication,or not taking enough
Hyperglycaemia causes the main symptomsof diabetes, which include extreme thirst and frequent urination.
Articles for Diabetes Type2
'Becoming diabetic forced me to change my life around'
When Charles Torkington, 54, was diagnosed with diabetes, it gave him the determination to change his diet and his life.
'If you have worries, get tested'
Clare Mehmet, a 58-year-old retired telecommunications interpreter, found out by chance that she had type 2 diabetes 10 years ago.
'My children can't believe how good their mum looks!'
Shafina Bibi was shocked to hear she had diabetes. But now she's changed her lifestyle and has never felt better.
'There's no reason why you can't achieve your dreams'
After his victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Sir Steve Redgrave became the only British athlete ever to win five consecutive Olympic gold medals.
Am I at high risk for a heart attack due to my type 2 diabetes?
Yes, diabetes is considered a risk factor for cardiac problems including a heart attack. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol well controlled will lower your risks quite a bit. Aiming for HbA1c (three-month blood sugar average) less than 7 would be ideal.
Are people with diabetes mellitus (DM) at a higher risk for dental problems like gum disease?
There is no convincing data to suggest that all diabetics have poor dental health. But having said that, poorly controlled DM does make one prone to infections and poor health—including dental health. Letting your dentist know that you have DM would be prudent. Given this knowledge about your medical condition, your dentist will be able to choose the correct products for treatment.
Causes
Read about the causes of type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level, or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced.
Complications
Read about complications of type 2 diabetes. Without treatment, it can lead to a number of other health problems. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs.
Do you have education programs for those newly diagnosed with diabetes?
Cleveland Clinic has many locations that offer diabetes education classes, including a new, conveniently located, free standing Diabetes Center in the University Circle area. Topics covered includenutrition, education, meter and insulin injection instructions, basic education about the disease state, and insulin pumps. Group and individual sessions are available.
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body's cells don't react to insulin. This means glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy.
Is it true that type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is sometimes resolved in people who have had gastric bypass surgery?
Yes, it is true, but not in everybody though. It depends on what degree of diabetes these patients had to start with prior to surgery.
Living with
Read about living with type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, you'll need to look after your health very carefully.
Symptoms
Read about the symptom of diabetes, including feeling very thirsty, passing more urine than usual, and feeling tired all the time.
Treatment
Read about treating type 2 diabetes. Find out how to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible by making lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthily and taking more exercise.
What carbs are better for Type 2 diabetes?
Plant-based carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and starchy vegetables including beans/lentils. Foods with higher fiber may take longer to digest and decrease the after-meal glucose spikes.
What doctor should I see for my Type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Fortunately, through management of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, your risk for heart-related events can substantially drop. Of these, blood pressure and cholesterol management appear to be more important than blood sugar control (with respect to cardiovascular disease). It is generally recommended that most patients with diabetes in your age group should be on statin-class drugs (types of cholesterol drugs) that are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Eye exams are recommended annually for most patients. Blood sugar control has the greatest impact in reducing the risk of diabetes-related eye disease. Most patients with diabetes Type 2 are followed by primary care physicians (such as internists and family physicians). Those with more complex issues may need to be referred to an endocrinologist.
