How would you know if you have Diabetes?
According to Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com Health’s Disease and Condition content – December 15, 2008
Many of the signs of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are similar. In both, there is too much glucose in the blood and not enough in the cells of your body. High glucose levels in Type 1 are due to the lack of insulin, because insulin-producing cells have been destroyed. Type 2 occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin that is being produced. Either way, your cells aren’t getting the glucose they need, and your body lets you know by giving you the following signs and symptoms.
Frequent Urination. Urination becomes more frequent when there is too much glucose in the blood. If insulin is nonexistent or ineffective, the kidneys can’t filter glucose back to the blood. They become overwhelmed and try to draw extra water out of the blood to dilute the glucose. This keeps your bladder full and keeps you running to the bathroom.
Unquenchable Thirst. If it feels like you can’t get enough water and you’re drinking much more than usual, it could be a sign of Diabetes, especially if it seems to go hand in hand with frequent urination. If your body is pulling extra water out of your blood and you’re running to the bathroom more, you will become dehydrated and feel the need to drink more.
Loss of Weight Without Trying. This symptom is more noticeable with Type 1 Diabetes. In Type 1, the pancreas stops making insulin, possibly due to viral attack on pancreas cells or because an autoimmune response makes the body attack the insulin producing cells. The body desperately looks for an energy source, because the cells aren’t getting glucose. It starts to break down muscle tissue and fat for energy. Type 2 happens gradually, with increasing insulin resistance, so weight loss is not as noticeable.
Weakness and Fatigue. Glucose from the food we eat travels into the bloodstream where insulin is supposed to help it transition into our cells. The cells use it to produce energy. If the insulin isn’t there or the cells don’t react, then the glucose stays outside the cells in the bloodstream. The cells become energy starved and you feel tired and rundown.
Tingling or Numbness in Hands, Legs and Feet. This symptom is called neuropathy. It occurs gradually over time as consistently high glucose in the blood damages the nervous system, particularly the extremities. Type 2 Diabetes is a gradual onset, and people are often not aware they have it. Blood sugar might have been high for more than a few years before a diagnosis is made. Nerve damage can happen with or without our knowledge. Neuropathy can often improve when tighter blood glucose control is achieved.
Excerpted from the Diabetes Diet: Dr. Bernstein’s Low-Carbohydrate Solution, by Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., the lower the amount of fast-acting or concentrated carbohydrate you eat, the less significant is the increase of your blood sugar; thus, the less insulin you will need to stabilize blood sugar.
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Enjoy, Samantha
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If you notice any of the signs above, schedule an appointment with your doctor, who will be able to tell you if there is a reason for concern.
