When we commonly refer to diabetes, we are actually talking about ‘Type 2’ . This is a very well-known disease that significantly increases the amount of sugar in the blood. If you have this disease, symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and extreme fatigue may appear. However, just because you have the symptoms of Type 2 of this doesn’t necessarily mean you will feel sick.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Many people unknowingly suffer from Type 2 diabetes due to a lack of awareness about its symptoms. Often, it is detected when blood or urine tests are conducted for a different illness or issue.
It is essential to see a doctor as soon as when symptoms appear. Certain factors increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In such cases, you must be vigilant about whether you are experiencing any symptoms of diabetes.
What Increases the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes?
- If you are over 40 years old (over 25 for South Asians).
- If any of your close relatives (such as father, mother, brother, or sister) have diabetes.
- If you are obese or overweight.
- If you are of Asian, African-Caribbean, or African descent (even if you were born in another country).
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Common symptoms include:
- Urinating more frequently than usual, especially at night.
- Feeling excessively thirsty all the time.
- Feeling very tired.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Itching around the genitals or frequent infections (such as fungal infections or thrush).
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly.
- Blurred vision.
If you have any symptoms of Type 2 diabetes or are worried about your increased risk of developing it, consult a doctor.
How to Confirm if You Have Type 2 Diabetes?
You can confirm this in three steps:
- Consult a doctor about your symptoms.
- The doctor will test your urine and blood to determine if your blood sugar levels are high.
- If diabetes is detected, the doctor will explain the test results and guide you on what steps to take next.
Important Information
The sooner diabetes is detected and treated, the better for the patient. Early treatment reduces the risk of developing other diseases associated with Type 2 diabetes.
Various Health Complications of Diabetes and What to Do About Them
If you have Type 2 diabetes, it’s crucial to pay close attention to your health and regularly visit your doctor. This is because Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of various other health complications, some of which may develop silently without any noticeable symptoms.
In this article, you will learn about the different health complications caused by diabetes and what you can do to manage them.
Common Health Complications of Diabetes Include:
– Heart problems and brain stroke
– Reduced sensation and pain (a sign of nerve damage)
– Foot problems, such as sores, wounds, and infections
– Vision loss and blindness
– Miscarriage and stillbirth
– Kidney problems
– Sexual problems (such as erectile dysfunction, i.e., inability to achieve or maintain an erection)
If you manage your blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s advice, you can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.
HbA1C Test Every 3 Months
This test measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It helps determine how close your blood sugar is to the normal range.
If you are newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you should have this test every three months. Once your diabetes is fairly controlled, the test can be done every six months.
Annual Check-Up
Heart, Cholesterol, and Kidney Tests
Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and brain stroke. Therefore, the sooner high blood pressure and high cholesterol are detected and treated, the better. These conditions often develop silently without noticeable symptoms until they become serious. This is why they may not be detected until tests are done.
Make sure to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels (blood fat levels) at least once a year.
If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure or cholesterol, continue taking them as prescribed.
Additionally, the negative effects of smoking on the heart are worsened by diabetes, so it is especially important for people with diabetes to avoid smoking.
Decreased Sensation in Hands and Feet
If you notice any unusual changes in your hands or feet, inform your doctor.
Diabetes can damage your nerves, a condition known as ‘diabetic neuropathy.’ This usually affects the feet, particularly the soles. However, it can also impact other parts of the body, leading to the following issues in the affected area:
Early treatment can prevent much of this damage.
Foot Car
Check your feet daily, especially the soles, for any signs of problems. Regularly take care of your feet and watch for any abnormalities.
It can reduce blood flow to your feet, leading to numbness in any part of your foot. This makes it difficult for wounds or sores to heal, and often, such injuries are not even noticed. This can result in issues like ulcers or infections.
Therefore, be aware of whether you can feel touch, pain, or temperature changes in your feet. Also, regularly check if any part of your foot has gone numb. It’s important to watch for any sores, ulcers, or infections on your feet.
To avoid these problems, follow these simple steps:
– Keep your feet, especially the soles, clean and dry – this reduces the risk of infection.
– Avoid walking barefoot outside to prevent cuts and scrapes.
– Wear shoes that fit well – not too tight or too loose.
If you notice any unusual changes in your feet, such as the following, consult your doctor immediately:
Make sure to have your feet checked by a doctor every year.
If wounds, sores, or infections on your feet are not treated promptly, they may develop gangrene, which might require surgery to remove the affected area or even the entire foot.
Eye Examination
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems (diabetic retinopathy) or even blindness. Therefore, it is essential to have your eyes checked every year to ensure the blood vessels are normal.
All diabetes patients aged 12 and above should have an eye examination at least once a year.
Regular eye check-ups can detect problems before they affect your vision. A simple 30-minute screening can examine the back of the eye and detect diabetic retinopathy early, making treatment more effective. Quick treatment of blood vessel issues can prevent vision problems.
If you notice any of the following vision changes or any other abnormality in your eyesight, consult a doctor immediately:
– Blurred vision, especially at night
– Seeing small floating shapes (floaters)
– Increased sensitivity to light
Pregnancy and Diabetes
If you are planning to have a baby, consult with your doctor. You can safely conceive and give birth with Type 2 diabetes, but it is crucial to have regular check-ups with your doctor during pregnancy.
