Type 2 Diabetes - Making the Diagnosis

According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 6 million people in the United States have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes but don't know it yet!  This is because the signs and symptoms of this insidious disease are often subtle in onset, slow in development and sporadic in appearance.  As such, it is often called the "silent" killer.



When you experience any two of the following symptoms coupled with high-risk factors like family history, race and age, you are well advised to hightail it your health care provider so he can order blood tests for you:



1.  Excessive Thirst and Frequent Urination:



Because your body's insulin supply cannot process glucose in the normal way, glucose simply builds up in your blood.  In turn, your kidneys must work overtime to absorb the excess and filter it out of your body through your urine.



This make frequent urination an inconvenient part of your life, day and night.  And you drink more fluid due to feeling dehydrated and so the cycle continues.



2.  Abnormal Weight Fluctuations:



Sudden weight variations are a result of two things in type 2 diabetes.  First, unintentional weight loss occurs due to the large amount of fluid lost through frequent urination.  Second, you experience constant hunger due to the high amount of insulin in your bloodstream: this causes you to snack on high-carbohydrate, high-fat foods and gain weight in the process.



It's a vicious cycle and you might just attribute it to stress.



3.  Slow Healing Rate for Infections:



Those who unknowingly suffer from diabetes will observe that frequent infections of the skin, gums, bladder and vagina are very slow to heal.  Even with antibiotics and vitamin supplements, people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes endure sores, cuts and bruises that are easily contracted but difficult to treat; often lingering for weeks on end.



It seems high blood glucose levels reduce your immune system's ability to fight off infection. Thus, if you notice gum infections that simply will not go away, consult your health care provider instead of your dentist.



4.  Blurred Vision:



If you notice your vision blurring, you have to consider the possibility of diabetes especially if you have several of the high risk factors. This occurs when your ocular lens fill with fluid due to high blood sugar levels and changes the way the lens refracts light. 



And it is not just blurred vision that you have to worry about when type 2 diabetes remains undetected and untreated. You also have to think of the long-term complications like glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy, all of which can and will affect the quality of your life.



Again, it must be emphasized that if you notice any of these symptoms, you must consult your health care provider as soon as possible.  Type 2 diabetes can have many implications on your health.  High blood sugar levels are able to affect every part of your body.

Hypoglycemia and exercise work together

The diagnosis makes diabetes a reality for you. With diabetes experiencing Hypoglycemia is usually a risk. Because you are a diabetic, you should be more cautious when it comes to what you eat and how you exercise. Is there any way to make exercise a regular part of your life without giving an equally persistent hypoglycemia in your life as well?



Read on and find the answer to this question, and more valuable information about hypoglycemia and exercise.



Can exercise cause hypoglycaemia? Yes, but not all the time.



When you exercise for an unusually long time, and you neglect to supply the production of glucose from food, you're making yourself increasingly vulnerable to hypoglycemia.



Can still exercise if you have diabetes and hypoglycemia?



Fortunately, we can give you another Yes to this question. As you observe the precautions, there is no reason for you to give up exercise completely.



First, always check your blood glucose. Do not be lazy about this. Knowing your blood sugar count will help you more accurately estimate just how many minutes will be able to exercise continuously before you have to eat again. Your doctor will inform you particular level is considered safe for you to exercise.



If you find that your glucose level is too high or too low, you refrain from exercising for the time being. Eating more or less until the glucose levels back to normal.



They always have a little protein snack with you to ensure that there is food to grab during emergencies--and Yes, Hypoglycemia is one of those emergencies.



Avoid exercise in places or settings that have extreme temperatures. May be too hot or too cold. Both are not beneficial to your health. At such temperatures, your body is able to absorb properly-and that is bad news for diabetics, as all of you already know.



How will you know if they are at risk of having low blood sugar?



Hypoglycemia's a silent killer; symptoms appear gradually, so sometime, you feel great to treadmills, but the next moment, you're gasping for air for a sugar rush. That is bad news.



Here's the good news. Although the symptoms are subtle, hypoglycemia, a condition well researched and very studied, so most of the symptoms, if not all, have already been identified. The only thing you need to know you then store the symptoms. Knowing that they will give you enough attention for successfully preventing hypoglycemia by cutting your workout short.



Symptoms of hypoglycemia:



Howling-stomach hunger is an indication that you're about to experience hypoglycemia. A number of people, do not apply the rule: If your stomach is not partially full, especially if you are diabetic as well!



Change in the frequency of heartbeat-No, a change in the frequency of heartbeat is not an indication that you're falling in or out of love. Perhaps if the change occurs, while you're sweating in the gym, it could be an indication that you're suffering from hypoglycemia.



Get wet-if the clothes end up clinging to your skin too early, it means you're sweating more profusely than usual. Again, that is an indication of hypoglycemia.



Other tips for exercise



Never start a new exercise routine without having him evaluated by your doctor first. Always wear suitable clothing, especially when it comes to shoes-socks and shoes – because they are the most vulnerable part of the body now. Drink plenty of water before, during and after training. Finally, have fun, but keep safe while exercising!