Diabetes is a pervasive illness that affects millions of people around the world. It is a chronic condition, affecting the way that your body processes sugar (glucose), which is your primary energy source. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means that your body has become resistant to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels; whereas, type 1 diabetes means that you are insulin dependent and need regular injections.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, rapid weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue, irritability, areas of darkened skin, slow healing sores, and lingering infections. If it is left untreated, type 2 diabetes can quickly become a life threatening condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential that you immediately seek medical attention.
Type 2 diabetes is typically associated with a family history of diabetes, prediabetes or gestational diabetes developed during pregnancy, race or ethnicity, physical inactivity, stress and inflammation, age, and obesity. It is also important to eliminate those harmful health behaviors that may have contributed to this condition, such as smoking, overeating, and/or the excessive consumption of alcohol.
Some of the more severe complications caused by type 2 diabetes can include heart disease and blood vessel disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and a narrowing of the arteries. In fact, studies show that the risk of a type 2 diabetic having a stroke within their first five years following diagnosis more than doubles and 3 of every 4 of them will die of a heart or blood vessel disease.
Nerve damage can also result from type 2 diabetes and cause numbness, tingling, burning or pain, eventually resulting in a loss of feeling in the affected limb, eventually resulting in amputation. This damage can also lead to severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Among men, erectile dysfunction can also become a major issue. Kidney failure requiring dialysis or even a transplant may occur and type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of severe eye problems, including blindness.
Type 2 diabetes may increase your susceptibility to fungal or bacterial skin infections, in addition to gum disease among those with poor dental hygiene. Hearing problems may also develop, along with a reduction in bone mineral density leading to osteoporosis. Due to its relationship with the development of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes can also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Although there is presently no cure available, type 2 diabetes is manageable through changes in your diet and maintaining a healthy weight. It will require a lifetime commitment to improving your health and may involve regular blood sugar monitoring, healthier eating (fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and whole grains), regular exercise, and the potential use of medication.
It is also important to know that only a competent, qualified physician or nurse practitioner can assess and diagnose you with diabetes. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you make an appointment with your doctor right away. Please know that the team healthcare professionals here at the Glow Natural Health Center genuinely care about your safety, health, and well-being. If you or someone you know may be concerned about your health, give us a call today and discover how we can help you to improve your health and ultimately, your life…