Insulin, as explained by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, acts in the body by allowing glucose to enter tissues and cells, thus keeping blood glucose levels stable. When the body does not produce insulin, as in Type 1 diabetes, or cannot use insulin effectively, as in Type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels become excessively high. By identifying certain risk factors and being aware of symptoms of diabetes, individuals can either prevent development of the disease or diagnose diabetes early enough before serious health effects develop.
Diabetes Facts
Diabetes is defined by the American Diabetes Association as a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels occurring when there is a defect in insulin production or efficiency. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, and since it involves a lack of insulin in the body it is not preventable. However, type 2 diabetes, associated with obesity-related health issues, can be prevented if diagnosed and treated in the early stages of disease development. Prediabetes occurs when fasting blood glucose levels range between 100-125mg/dL. If detected during this stage of disease development, a healthy diet, exercise, weight loss, as well as regular blood glucose monitoring, can help to control blood glucose levels and prevent development of Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Risk Factors
For type 1 diabetes, it is thought that autoimmune, genetic or environmental factors may be involved in its development, but no definitive cause has yet been identified. However, type 2 diabetes has been shown to develop in individuals with various risk factors, identified by the National Diabetes Education Program as being overweight, having a parent or sibling with diabetes, having high blood pressure, having high cholesterol and being inactive, to name a few.
Physical Warning Signs
The American Diabetes Association, notes that there are various physical warning signs that can help diagnose diabetes. Type 1 diabetes warning signs include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss or extreme fatigue. Type 2 diabetes warning signs include those for type 1 diabetes as well as additional signs that include blurred vision, slow healing wounds, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, or frequent infections.
Other Warning Signs
If you have any risk factors of diabetes, it is important to have regular physician's visits during which you should be tested for blood glucose levels as well as triglycerides. The American Heart Association states that high triglyceride levels, above 200 mg/dL may be a consequence of uncontrolled diabetes. Fasting blood glucose levels above 126 mg/dL, an oral glucose tolerance test above 200mg/dL, or a random blood glucose level above 200 mg/dL along with diabetes symptoms can be used to diagnose diabetes.
Important Reminders
Individuals that possess risk factors for diabetes should be sure to have regular physicians' visits and to monitor blood glucose regularly. In addition, tracking of unusual physical symptoms can help detect diabetes early so that appropriate treatment strategies can be taken to prevent or treat diabetes.
