6 Signs Your Type 2 Diabetes Might Really Be Type 1
Reviewed by endocrinologist Stanley S. Schwartz, MD, emeritus Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and George Grunberger, MD, FACP, FACE, Chairman of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute, Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Medicine & Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine and President of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Up to 10%1 of people with type 2 diabetes may actually have a form of diabetes known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, or LADA, where the immune system slowly destroys insulin-producing beta cells. That’s the conclusion of a string of studies that have looked at this mysterious high blood sugar problem since it was first recognized by Scottish endocrinologists in the late 1970s.2 Yet 39 years later, most of the estimated 3 million or more Americans with LADA think they’ve got type 2 diabetes. That misdiagnosis can cause frustration, misunderstandings and even health problems, says endocrinologist Stanley S. Schwartz, MD, an emeritus Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “If your doctor is not thinking about the possibility of LADA, he or she may not prescribe the diabetes drugs early on that could help extend the life of your insulin-producing beta cells,” Dr. Schwartz says. “With LADA, you lose the ability to produce insulin much more quickly than the typical type 2. But a doctor who believes you’re a type 2 may hesitate to prescribe insulin when your blood sugar levels rise, thinking that a healthier lifestyle and higher doses of other medications will work.” As a result, your blood sugar could skyrocket, increasing your risk for diabetes complications, says George Grunberger, MD, FACP, FACE, Chairman of the Grunberger Di Continue reading >>
Diabetes Warning Signs
Because type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, it's important to be aware of any diabetes warning signs and get tested for diabetes if you have any of these symptoms. Treating diabetes early can help prevent serious complications. We'll explain the various diabetes warning signs and also warning signs of specific diabetes problems. Discover why it's important to listen to your body and alert your doctor if you notice any new signs or problems. Sometimes type 2 diabetes can develop without any warnings signs. In fact, about a third of all people who have type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. That's why it's important to talk to your doctor about your risk for diabetes and determine if you should be tested. Common warnings signs of diabetes include: Increased thirst Increased hunger (especially after eating) Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry) Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) If you have any of the above mentioned warnings signs of diabetes, give your doctor a call and schedule a diabetes test. With the right diabetes diet, regular exercise, and medications, if needed, you can manage type 2 diabetes and live an active, productive life. If you have symptoms of the following diabetes complications, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Each brief discussion links to more in-depth information. As you'll learn in this health topic, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of sugar or glucose in the blood drops too low to fuel the body. Hypoglycemia is not a disease but a condition that results from a variety of causes. Hypoglycemia is most commonly a complication of diabetes treatment (diabetic hypoglycemia). You can develop hypoglycemia by taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications or Continue reading >>
General Diabetes Facts And Information
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar). Glucose backs up in the bloodstream — causing one’s blood glucose (sometimes referred to as blood sugar) to rise too high. There are two major types of diabetes. In type 1 (fomerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent) diabetes, the body completely stops producing any insulin, a hormone that enables the body to use glucose found in foods for energy. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to survive. This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can occur at any age. Type 2 (formerly called adult-onset or non insulin-dependent) diabetes results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight, and have a family history of diabetes, although today it is increasingly occurring in younger people, particularly adolescents. How do people know if they have diabetes? People with diabetes frequently experience certain symptoms. These include: being very thirsty frequent urination weight loss increased hunger blurry vision irritability tingling or numbness in the hands or feet frequent skin, bladder or gum infections wounds that don't heal extreme unexplained fatigue In some cases, there are no symptoms — this happens at times with type 2 diabetes. In this case, people can live for months, even years without knowing they have the disease. This form of diabetes comes on so gradually that symptoms may not even be recognized. Who gets diabetes? Diabetes can occur in anyone. However, people who have close relatives with the disease are somewhat more likely to develop it. Continue reading >>
Early Symptoms Of Diabetes
What are the symptoms of diabetes? Although the signs of diabetes can begin to show early, sometimes it takes a person a while to recognize the symptoms. This often makes it seem like signs and symptoms of diabetes appear suddenly. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your body, rather than simply brushing them off. To that end, here are some type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms that you may want to watch out for: If you’re experiencing frequent urination your body might be telling you that your kidneys are trying to expel excess sugar in your blood. The resulting dehydration may then cause extreme thirst. Along the same lines, the lack of available fluids may also give you dry mouth and itchy skin. If you experience increased hunger or unexpected weight loss it could be because your body isn’t able to get adequate energy from the food you eat. High blood sugar levels can affect blood flow and cause nerve damage, which makes healing difficult. So having slow-healing cuts/sores is also a potential sign of diabetes. Yeast infections may occur in men and women who have diabetes as a result of yeast feeding on glucose. Other signs of diabetes Pay attention if you find yourself feeling drowsy or lethargic; pain or numbness in your extremities; vision changes; fruity or sweet-smelling breath which is one of the symptoms of high ketones; and experiencing nausea or vomiting—as these are additional signs that something is not right. If there’s any question, see your doctor immediately to ensure that your blood sugar levels are safe and rule out diabetes. So what are the low blood sugar symptoms you should look out for? It’s important to realize that the signs of… Polyuria occurs when your body urinates more frequently—and often in larger amounts—than Continue reading >>
World Diabetes Day: How To Spot The Signs Of Type 2 Diabetes
14 November is World Diabetes Day. Comprising hundreds of campaigns, activities, screenings, lectures and meetings, the aim of World Diabetes Day is to spread information about diabetes and raise awareness of the condition. The date also marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin in 1922, Frederick Banting, who . While the 10% of those with Type 1 diabetes are usually diagnosed from an early age, the 90% of sufferers with Type 2 can develop the disease at any age. Shadow Home secretary Diane Abbott, Oscar winning actor Tom Hanks and tennis great Billie Jean-King all suffer from Type 2, while Prime Minister Theresa May is a Type 1 diabetic. May has been a vocal supporter of World Diabetes Day tweeting: “When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it came as a shock. But to all of you with diabetes, on World Diabetes Day, I want to say this: Type 1 Diabetes should not stop you from fulfilling your ambitions.” Here’s what you need to know about Type 2 and how to spot the symptoms: What is Type 2 diabetes? Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to control the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Patients with Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for ten per cent of cases, cannot produce any insulin, while the 90 per cent with Type 2 either don't produce enough or their cells do not react to it. Yes and growing. Diabetes UK says the disease is "the fastest growing health threat of our times and an urgent public health issue". One person every two minutes is diagnosed with diabetes and almost 3.5 million people in the UK have the disease - more than double the level 20 years ago. In addition, there are an estimated 1.1 million Britons who have not yet been diagnosed. How do you develop diabetes? Type 2 diabetes usually develop Continue reading >>
How Do I Know If I Have Diabetes?
To find out if you have diabetes, see your doctor and consider screening if you are at high risk. Diabetes is diagnosed by blood testing. Most doctors use a hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose or an oral glucose tolerance test. For some people with only modest elevations in glucose, diabetes may be silent. For others with elevated glucose levels, symptoms may be present. Risk factors and typical symptoms can include: a family history of diabetes being overweight being in a high-risk ethnicity increased thirst increased urination unintentional weight loss If you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to know the kind of diabetes that you have. In this video, Ronald Tamler, MD, clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, explains why this diagnoses is important. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood varies throughout the day, but it should always stay within a certain range. If your blood glucose is above the normal range, you may have diabetes or you may be at higher risk for it. Diabetes is a disease that causes your blood glucose to be too high. It can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. To check for diabetes -- or prediabetes, a condition that often leads to diabetes -- you should have a fasting blood glucose test. This test checks your blood sugar when you haven't eaten anything for at least 8 hours, usually overnight. You might also have a blood test called HbA1c, a single test that can measure your average blood glucose over a period of several weeks. If your blood glucose is above the normal range based on either test, you should see a doctor. Medication -- along with a meal plan, regular exercise, and other healthy habits -- can help you manage your blood glucose and prevent fur Continue reading >>
How Did You Know Your Child Had Type 1 Diabetes? Know The Symptoms (it Could Save A Life)
How Did You Know Your Child Had Type 1 Diabetes? Know The Symptoms (It Could Save a Life) By: Rachelle Stocum / Blog Parents of children with diabetes will hear this question asked a million times. And each time you tell your story the story gets shorter and shorter. You begin to leave out details. Details that may one day save another child’s life. I wrote this for a couple of reasons. The first reason was to document the details and help other families who are searching for answers to unexplained symptoms. The second reason was to really get my emotions off my chest, and reflect. December 30, 2016 is a day I will never forget. This date will now be forever know to us as Carter’s “dia-versary.” This was the day my seven year old son Carter was diagnosed with Type one Diabetes. I still tear up when I say or even write those words… my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The week before Christmas my son Carter had so many complaints. He’s not a whiny kid by any means so this was unusual for him. He’s actually the most compliant child I know. When I ask him to do something he does it. So when he first complained of a stomach ache I thought he was coming down with the flu. It seems reasonable that a child would get sick in December. So I tried to wake him up but it was really hard. He was groggy and didn’t want to wake up. Once he was finally woke up I told him that I didn’t want him to eat anything until I was able to get grandma’s monitor and test his blood sugar. He drank some water but understood what I was asking of him. He didn’t complain or cry even though he was hungry. I knew that was bad because when I was pregnant with him I had gestational diabetes. My blood glucose only ran about 120 from what I can recall, and I knew normal was around Continue reading >>
7 Symptoms To Never Ignore If You Have Diabetes
If you have diabetes watch for these warning signs that something is amiss – and make sure you know how to respond #1. Blurry vision. Vision changes may mean your blood sugar is high, says endocrinologist Alan L. Rubin, MD, author of Diabetes for Dummies, Type 1 Diabetes for Dummies and other health books in the “Dummies” series. “High blood sugar draws more fluid into the lens of the eye, so your vision is less sharp,” he explains. “The first thing to do is to check your blood sugar more frequently and bring it under better control.” Temporary blurriness may also occur when starting insulin. What to do: If problems persist despite good glucose numbers, tell your doctor. Eyesight changes may be caused by an easy-to-fix problem like dry eyes, be a side effect of some medications or even computer eye strain. But it can also be a warning sign of diabetic retinopathy – when tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye swell and leak. It could also be a sign of other vision issues like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration. All can be treated to prevent further problems. #2. Unusual thirst and feeling extra-tired. High blood sugar is usually the culprit, according to the American Diabetes Association. But don’t shrug it off —letting your numbers drift beyond the healthy range sets you up for complications and could be a sign of a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. What to do: Check your glucose level now and recheck frequently; make sure you’re following your eating and exercise plan and taking your medication as directed. If you’ve been sick, follow your sick-day plan; illness can make blood sugar rise. Extremely high blood sugar – over 600 mg/dL – can lead to seizures, coma and even death, the ADA warns. This condition Continue reading >>
How Long Can You Go With Having Diabetes Before Knowing You Have It?
To reiterate and emphasize what others have answered: Type I diabetes, not very long before the symptoms would land you in hospital where it would be diagnosed, hopefully but not necessarily before extensive permanent damage to the body or even death occurred; Type II diabetes: any number of months up to many years, depending on things like body weight, diet, exercise, remaining ability to produce insulin, degree of insulin resistance, and etc. Diabetic symptoms can therefore range from deceptively mild to debilitating. Symptoms of diabetes can include: excessive and/or frequent thirst, frequent urination, episodes of visual distortion, especially blurry vision, unexplained fatigue, a sweet or “fruity” odor to the breath and/or the urine, thrush (particularly but not exclusively in women), dental problems including gum disease, numbness, tingling or pain in the extremities, especially the feet, and a number of less common ailments. Diabetes is a very serious but also very treatable disease. If you have the slightest concern that you or a loved one may have either type of diabetes, please have your blood level of HbA1c checked immediately! This test is widely available practically everywhere in the world and can be obtained from any physician. In some countries, you can even purchase a home testing kit directly from your pharmacist to be interpreted by a medical professional. If for some reason you are unable to do that, at least have your blood sugar level checked after fasting for 8–12 hours, even if you have to borrow a diabetic friend’s home test kit to do so, and report the results to your physician. When untreated, diabetes causes significant problems with blood circulation, which can lead to heart, kidney, and liver failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputa Continue reading >>
Signs & Symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms that can indicate diabetes. Signs and symptoms can include the following: Unusual thirst Frequent urination Weight change (gain or loss) Extreme fatigue or lack of energy Blurred vision Frequent or recurring infections Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Trouble getting or maintaining an erection If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your health-care provider right away. Even if you don’t have symptoms, if you are 40 or older, you should still get checked. It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms. We respond to more than 20,000 requests per year by phone, email, and online chat. We are here to help give you the information and support you need so don't hesitate to contact us today. Contact Us Symptoms of diabetes in children Diabetes affects children of all ages. Most children who develop diabetes do not have a family history of diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes in your child could include: Drinking and going to the bathroom more frequently than usual Starting to wet the bed again Lack of energy If you think your child might have diabetes, see a doctor today. Diagnosis of diabetes Speak with your doctor and ask him or her to test you for diabetes using one of the following tests. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood is measured in mmol/L. Fasting blood glucose You must not eat or drink anything except water for at least eight hours before this test. A test result of 7.0 mmol/L or greater indicates diabetes. Random blood glucose This test may be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A test result of 11.0 mmol/L or greater, plus symptoms of diabetes, indicates diabetes. A1C This test may b Continue reading >>
Diabetes Symptoms, (type 1 And Type 2)
Diabetes type 1 and type 2 definition and facts Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose. Absence or insufficient production of insulin, or an inability of the body to properly use insulin causes diabetes. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 and type 2. Former names for these conditions were insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, or juvenile onset and adult onset diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include increased urine output, excessive thirst, weight loss, hunger, fatigue, skin problems slow healing wounds, yeast infections, and tingling or numbness in the feet or toes. Some of the risk factors for getting diabetes include being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and low levels of the "good" cholesterol (HDL) and elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. If you think you may have prediabetes or diabetes contact a health-care professional. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels that result from defects in insulin secretion, or its action, or both. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article) was first identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine. Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose elevates (for example, after eating food Continue reading >>
How To Tell If You Have Diabetes
Expert Reviewed If you believe that you may have diabetes, consult a medical professional immediately. Type 1 diabetes is when the islet cells of your pancreas can no longer produce insulin; it is a type of autoimmune disease that makes them no longer functional. Type 2 diabetes is more lifestyle-related (relating to lack of exercise and consuming too much sugar). It is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes, as well as to understand how it is diagnosed, in order to be treated as soon as possible if you do have the condition. 1 Be aware of the following signs and symptoms. If you have two or more on the list below, it is best to see your doctor for further evaluation. Common signs and symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:[1] Excessive thirst Excessive hunger Blurry vision Frequent urination (you wake 3 or more times in the night to urinate) Fatigue (particularly after eating) Feeling irritable Wounds that don't heal or heal slowly 2 Take note of your lifestyle choices. People who live a sedentary life (with little to no exercise) are at a heightened risk of Type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight or obese, or who eat more sweets and refined carbohydrates than is ideal are also at significantly higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.[2] Note that Type 2 diabetes is acquired in one's life, most often related to poor lifestyle choices, versus Type 1 diabetes which is a condition one is born with that most often presents in childhood. 3 See your doctor.[3] The only way to truly confirm whether or not you have diabetes is to see your doctor for diagnostic testing (in the form of blood tests). The numbers that come back on your blood tests will help to classify you as "normal," "pre-diabetic" (meaning you are at very high risk of soon develo Continue reading >>
7 Warning Signs Of Type 2 Diabetes
1 / 8 What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes? More than 100 million American adults are living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, according to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But the number of people who know they have the diseases — which can lead to life-threatening complications, like blindness and heart disease — is far lower. Data from the CDC suggests that of the estimated 30.3 million Americans with type 2 diabetes, 7.2 million, or 1 in 4 adults living with the disease, are not aware of it. And among those people living with prediabetes, only 11.6 percent are aware that they have the disease. Prediabetes is marked by higher than normal blood sugar levels — though not high enough to qualify as diabetes. The CDC notes that this condition often leads to full-blown type 2 diabetes within five years if it's left untreated through diet and lifestyle modifications. Type 2 diabetes, which is often diagnosed when a person has an A1C of at least 7 on two separate occasions, can lead to potentially serious issues, like neuropathy, or nerve damage; vision problems; an increased risk of heart disease; and other diabetes complications. A person’s A1C is the two- to three-month average of his or her blood sugar levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors may use other tests to diagnose diabetes. For example, they may conduct a fasting blood glucose test, which is a blood glucose test done after a night of fasting. While a fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is normal, one that is between 100 to 125 mg/dL signals prediabetes, and a reading that reaches 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions means you have diabetes. People with full-blown type 2 diabetes are not able to use the h Continue reading >>
Have You Got Diabetes? The 10 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore – And That Could Save Your Life
DIABETES is a life-long health condition that affects about 3.5 million people in the UK alone. In 2012 it was responsible for about 1.5 million deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. Getty Images It is caused by high levels of glucose – or sugar – in the blood because the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin to break down the sugar or cannot effectively use the insulin. Insulin is a hormone typically produced by the pancreas and allows glucose to enter the cells in the body, where it’s used for energy. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed during childhood and is a result of cells in the body that usually produce insulin being destroyed. Type 2 is the most common form of the disease, according to Diabetes UK, and is caused when the insulin producing cells are unable to produce enough of the hormone. Although it is considered a chronic disease it can be managed with healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a normal body weight. However, like all conditions, if it is not managed properly people may well develop uncontrolled diabetes. This can trigger a range of conditions from frequent infections, vision problems and even kidney disease. 1. High blood sugar readings This may sound obvious given diabetes is caused by high sugar levels. Usually, diabetes medication and a healthy lifestyle will manage blood sugar levels to an almost normal level. But when it is uncontrolled a person's blood sugar levels can remain very high - an obvious warning sign that they need to change their lifestyle. Getty Images 2. Vision problems You may not know this, but diabetes can cause vision loss. In the US is is the leading cause of vision loss among adults a Continue reading >>
How To Tell If You Have Type 2 Diabetes
Many people have type 2 diabetes and don’t realise. This is because symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: peeing more than usual, particularly at night feeling thirsty all the time feeling very tired losing weight without trying itching around your penis or vagina, or you keep getting thrush cuts or wounds that take longer to heal blurred vision You’re more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you: are over 40 (or 25 for South Asian people) have a close relative with diabetes (parent, brother or sister) are overweight or obese are of South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean or black African origin (even if you were born in the UK) When to see your GP See your GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, or you’re worried you may have a higher risk of developing it. Your GP can diagnose diabetes. You’ll need a blood test which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it can’t be done at your GP surgery. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment starts, the better. Treating diabetes early reduces your risk of other health problems. Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following blood or urine tests for something else. However, if you have any symptoms of diabetes you should see your GP straight away. To find out if you have type 2 diabetes, you usually have to go through the following steps: Speak to your GP about your symptoms. Your GP will check your urine and arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels. It usually takes about 1 to 2 days for the results to come back. If you have diabetes, your GP will ask you to come in again to explain the test results and what will happen next. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes What your GP will discuss with you during your appointme Continue reading >>
