Determining the signs
Diabetes is a disease that can oftentimes give symptoms to some, alluding to its presence, while also going undetected in others, leaving the body vulnerable to complications. Because of the two types of diabetes, the symptoms, causes and treatments vary, though the importance of preventative measures and maintenance remain the same.
“Type I and Type II diabetes are each a result of different underlying conditions in the body,” said Dr. Susan Kemp with CHRISTUS Schumpert. “Type I diabetes is diagnosed basically when a person does not make enough of their own natural insulin to metabolize sugar. It is not usually a preventable condition, whereas in Type II your insulin production is usually maintained, but your body does not use it properly.
“Traditionally, Type I diabetes shows up in younger people, and if not picked up early, can lead to a dangerously high level of sugar in the blood stream. Type II is usually a slower progressive condition that develops over time.”
The American Diabetes Association lists common symptoms to diabetes as frequent urination, feeling unusually thirsty or hungry (even though you are eating), extreme fatigue, blurry vision, and cuts and bruises that are slow to heal. For Type I diabetes, a symptom may be weight loss even though you are eating more, and for Type II there may be tingling in the hands and feet.
Complications stemming from diabetes can lead to serious and even fatal health problems. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many conditions can be prevented or delayed. With Type II diabetes, there are additional risk factors that may lead to a diagnosis.
“For patients who may be genetically prone to Type II diabetes, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy weight and diet,” Kemp said. “The more your body is exposed to high levels of sugar and carbohydrates in the diet and excess weight, the sooner Type II diabetes is likely to develop.”
Type II diabetes can be somewhat more complicated and risky in that symptoms aren’t always so obvious and the onset may be gradual.
“Unfortunately, it is very common [for Type II diabetes] to be undetected,” Kemp said. “You may not have any symptoms at all or may just feel more tired as your sugar levels gradually rise. I have had some patients whose first time they had any idea they had diabetes was because of a bad infection, kidney failure or vision loss. You may not ‘feel’ a high sugar level, but the damage it does to your body will still occur.”
The complications from Type II diabetes are due to the excess sugar the body is exposed to over time, Kemp said.
“It affects your entire body and can cause pain, fatigue, nausea, amongst other symptoms,” she said. “The longer the diabetes is uncontrolled, the more irreversible damage may occur. High sugar levels in the blood stream will cause damage to the nerves in your feet and legs causing pain and numbness. Not feeling your feet will allow ulcers to develop that may require amputation.
Your blood vessels become more inflamed in reaction to high sugar levels which encourages blocked arteries in your heart, brain and legs. Your eyes are very sensitive to your sugar level. Uncontrolled diabetics may lose vision over time and kidneys that filter larger amounts of sugar from your blood than normal may also fail over time.”
Whether there are symptoms present, a genetic predisposition or concerns about various risk factors, Kemp urged that all matters be taken with care and checked out by a healthcare professional.
“I cannot express enough the importance of screening and regular check ups with your doctor,” she said.
“There are basic screenings that can give you a lot of information about your risk for diabetes. I also try to educate my patients about their diet and what types of food they are eating sometimes low calorie or low fat or artificially sweetened options may actually be more harmful for your metabolism than good. It is important to learn to read your food labels and understand what you are putting in your body.”
– Katie Ho
Get tested:
A visit to the doctor can provide the necessary tests and information for every patient to assess their risk and levels. Most often a simple blood and urine test will give enough information to detect a sugar problem,” Kemp said. “type II diabetes can be slowly progressing over time, and you may actually show symptoms of it before your lab values confirm it. so, it is important to continue monitoring your levels at least yearly if you are at risk.”
