Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of Americans of all ages. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes can help you to get diagnosed early if you suspect you have this disease. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications. It allows your doctor to get you on a treatment regimen designed to keep diabetes under control.
Type 1 diabetes occurs most often in children and young adults. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Type 1 diabetics usually manage the disease with insulin therapy. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin with meals because their bodies no longer produce the hormone.
The most common type of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes typically begins in adulthood, studies indicate that African-Americans, Latinos and Native Americans are at especially high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin; in some cases sufficient insulin is produced but the body ignores the insulin.
Some women develop gestational diabetes during a pregnancy. This can happen when the body doesn’t use up all of the insulin it makes. As a result, a baby can be born with extra insulin putting it at risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Pregnant women are typically monitored throughout the pregnancy for gestational diabetes, especially if there is a family history of diabetes or if they fall into one of high-risk groups.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Seek out foods that are low in fat and sugar, and try to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, such as a brisk walk, every day.