Diabetes
The Facts Diabetes is a condition where people don't produce enough insulin to meet their body's needs and/or their cells don't respond properly to insulin. Insulin is important because it moves glucose, a simple sugar, into the body's cells from the blood. It also has a number of other effects on metabolism. The food that people eat provides the body with glucose, which is used by the cells as a source of energy. If insulin isn't available or doesn't work correctly to move glucose from the blood into cells, glucose will stay in the blood. High blood glucose levels are toxic, and cells that don't get glucose are lacking the fuel they need. There are two main kinds of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. More than 90% of all people with diabetes have type 2. A 2015 Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) report estimated that about 3.4 million Canadians have diabetes. Only about two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes are aware of it and are receiving treatment because, for many people, early symptoms are not noticeable without testing. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot make insulin. Everyone with type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not use insulin properly. It usually occurs in adults, although in some cases children may be affected. People with type 2 diabetes usually have a family history of this condition and are most often overweight. People with type 2 diabetes may eventually need insulin injections. This condition occurs most commonly in people of First Nations descent, Hispanics, and North Americans of African descent. Another less common form is gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. According to the CDA, depend Continue reading >>
- American Diabetes Association® Releases 2018 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, with Notable New Recommendations for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
- Leeds diabetes clinical champion raises awareness of gestational diabetes for World Diabetes Day
- Diabetes doctors: Which specialists treat diabetes?
Gestational Diabetes: What You Need To Know
This pregnancy complication is more common than you might think. Learn who's at risk for it, how it's detected, and what can be done to treat it. For years, doctors believed that gestational diabetes affected three to five percent of all pregnancies, but new, more rigorous diagnostic criteria puts the number closer to 18 percent. The condition, which can strike any pregnant woman, usually develops in the second trimester, between weeks 24 and 28, and typically resolves after baby is born. If gestational diabetes is treated and well-managed throughout your pregnancy, "There's no reason you can't deliver a very healthy baby," says Patricia Devine, M.D., perinatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. But gestational diabetes that goes untreated, or isn't carefully monitored, can be harmful for both mother and baby. Consult our guide for risk factors, signs of gestational diabetes, and treatment options. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy in a woman who previously did not have diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar efficiently. "A hormone produced by the placenta makes a woman essentially resistant to her own insulin," Dr. Devine explains. How does gestational diabetes differ from type 1 or 2 diabetes? Gestational diabetes affects only pregnant women. People who have type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes, are generally born with it. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 95 percent of all cases of diabetes in the U.S.; it occurs in adulthood, and is triggered by lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity. What causes it? It's unclear why some women develop gestational diabetes while others do not. Doctors th Continue reading >>
Prediabetes
Print Overview Prediabetes means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, people with prediabetes are very likely to progress to type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, the long-term damage of diabetes — especially to your heart, blood vessels and kidneys — may already be starting. There's good news, however. Progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes isn't inevitable. Eating healthy foods, incorporating physical activity in your daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal. Prediabetes affects adults and children. The same lifestyle changes that can help prevent progression to diabetes in adults might also help bring children's blood sugar levels back to normal. Symptoms Prediabetes generally has no signs or symptoms. One possible sign that you may be at risk of type 2 diabetes is darkened skin on certain parts of the body. Affected areas can include the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and knuckles. Classic signs and symptoms that suggest you've moved from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes include: Increased thirst Frequent urination Fatigue Blurred vision When to see a doctor See your doctor if you're concerned about diabetes or if you notice any type 2 diabetes signs or symptoms. Ask your doctor about blood glucose screening if you have any risk factors for prediabetes. Causes The exact cause of prediabetes is unknown. But family history and genetics appear to play an important role. Inactivity and excess fat — especially abdominal fat — also seem to be important factors. What is clear is that people with prediabetes don't process sugar (glucose) properly anymore. As a result, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream instead o Continue reading >>
12 Signs Of Uncontrolled Diabetes
12 Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes Blood tests tell you and your doctor when your glucose levels are too high. But signs of uncontrolled diabetes can appear all over your body. High blood glucose can damage nerves, blood vessels, and organs, resulting in a wide array of symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you spot any of them, so you can stay in control of your diabetes and improve your quality of life. © 2016 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. You Might Also Like Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Men And Women Early Symptoms And Signs
Men with diabetes may experience sexual problems like erectile dysfunction ( ED , impotence ), retrograde ejaculation , and low testosterone ( low-T ). Specific problems that affect women with diabetes include: An increased risk for vaginal yeast infections An increased risk of urinary tract infections ( UTIs ) Complications of diabetes that occur over the long term in both men and women include nerve damage , decreases in vision, kidney damage, and an increased risk of heart disease , vascular disease , and stroke . What Is Diabetes? What Are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is normally is used as a source of energy for the body. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, is necessary for the bodys cells to utilize glucose for energy. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce any or enough insulin, or becomes resistant to the insulin that is produced. Type 1 diabetes is the less-common form of diabetes. It occurs because the bodys immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in an insufficient amount of insulin. Type 1 diabetes was formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes because it most often is most is diagnosed in childhood. Treatment for this type of diabetes involves the administration of insulin in injection form. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. It accounts for about 85% of cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was formerly referred to as adult-onset diabetes because it most often is diagnosed in adults. However, the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and teens has been increasing due to dietary factors and the rise in childhood obesity . Type 2 diabetes occurs because the body has become resistant Continue reading >>
Early Symptoms Of Diabetes
How can you tell if you have diabetes? Most early symptoms are from higher-than-normal levels of glucose, a kind of sugar, in your blood. The warning signs can be so mild that you don't notice them. That's especially true of type 2 diabetes. Some people don't find out they have it until they get problems from long-term damage caused by the disease. With type 1 diabetes, the symptoms usually happen quickly, in a matter of days or a few weeks. They're much more severe, too. Both types of diabetes have some of the same telltale warning signs. Hunger and fatigue. Your body converts the food you eat into glucose that your cells use for energy. But your cells need insulin to bring the glucose in. If your body doesn't make enough or any insulin, or if your cells resist the insulin your body makes, the glucose can't get into them and you have no energy. This can make you more hungry and tired than usual. Peeing more often and being thirstier. The average person usually has to pee between four and seven times in 24 hours, but people with diabetes may go a lot more. Why? Normally your body reabsorbs glucose as it passes through your kidneys. But when diabetes pushes your blood sugar up, your kidneys may not be able to bring it all back in. This causes the body to make more urine, and that takes fluids. You'll have to go more often. You might pee out more, too. Because you're peeing so much, you can get very thirsty. When you drink more, you'll also pee more. Dry mouth and itchy skin. Because your body is using fluids to make pee, there's less moisture for other things. You could get dehydrated, and your mouth may feel dry. Dry skin can make you itchy. Blurred vision. Changing fluid levels in your body could make the lenses in your eyes swell up. They change shape and lose their a Continue reading >>
Diabetes: 5 Early Signs And Symptoms Of Type 2
Type diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is not able to use the hormone insulin properly. It affects around 29 million Americans, and is caused by high blood sugar levels, often the result of poor diet and exercise. Here are some of the early signs and symptoms of this popular health disorder. Frequent Urination According to Everyday Health , when there is extra glucose in the blood, the kidneys attempt to flush it out. As a result, patients will see an increase in urine production and the urge to use the bathroom. Extreme Thirst A further result of increased urination is increased liquid loss, which can lead to increased thirst and dehydration. In addition, patients may notice that their mouth feels more dry than usual. Read: Eating Junk Food Doesn't Mean You'll Develop Type 2 Diabetes Increased Hunger Increased hunger is another early sign of Type 2 diabetes. According to Everyday Health, in people with type 2 diabetes, insulin doesn’t work well in the body. This means the pancreas put out a lot more of it to try and compensate. As a result, this increased amount of insulin in the body sends messages to the brain that the body needs more food, even though this is not actually true. Nerve Pain or Numbness Over time, many diabetic can develop something known as diabetic neuropathy due to nerve damage caused by high sugar exposure. This condition first presents itself as inexplicable pain and numbness in the feet. Blurred Vision Blurred vision is also a common early sign of type 2 diabetes. At first, it can be hard for the body to adapt to changes in blood sugar, and as a result blurred vision is common during the early stages of diabetes. After the body gets used to new higher blood sugar levels, vision will return to normal. See Also: Cure For Type 2 Di Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Women Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Home Info Diabetes in Women Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Diabetes in Women Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs either due to impaired insulin production or due to reduced responsiveness to insulin in body leading to abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood stream [1] . It is common disorder to affect both women and men. Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes which is exclusive to pregnant women. However, the occurrence of this disease is much rarer than that of Type I and Type II Diabetes. The exact causes of diabetes in women are still debated and it is difficult to find a conclusive answer as to what is the exact cause of diabetes. In women, diabetes mellitus is believed to be caused due to a number of factors which include: Various environmental factors which act as triggers to the condition Gestational diabetes may occur during pregnancy due to an improper balance of hormones or the body not effectively reacting to insulin. If left untreated, it can cause Type II Diabetes in both the mother and the child. Prediabetes, if left uncontrolled, can lead to the development of Type II Diabetes in the future There are a number of signs and symptoms of diabetes in women. Such symptoms include: Excessive urination, also known as polyuria is a common symptom of diabetes where the diabetic individual feels an urge to urinate several times in a day. This results in excreting in excess of 2.5 liters per day as the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose in the blood stream through urine. Increased thirst and dryness of the mouth is also quite common. This condition is also known as Polydipsia and it is induced due to loss of fluids from the body. The condition may even lead to dehydration if not fulfilled and this may eventually Continue reading >>
Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes In Women Over 40
Diabetes refers to a chronic condition where a person has high blood sugar levels because their bodies cannot produce enough insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas, which transports glucose to various body tissues such as muscle cells and fat cells. Glucose is a form of sugar which is one of the biggest sources of energy. Women who have diabetes experience high levels of glucose in the blood because their body cannot transport glucose from the bloodstream into fat and muscle cells. This is because their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or their body cells are resistant to insulin, or both. If left untreated, diabetes in women can lead to serious health complications including nerve damage, kidney damage and foot damage. Types of diabetes in women There are three common types of diabetes which affects women. They include T1D (type 1 diabetes) , T2D (type 2 diabetes) and gestational diabetes. T1D refers to a condition where the pancreas cannot produce the hormone insulin. This happens when the immune system attacks the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes require insulin injection every day so that they can survive. T2D is as a result of insulin resistance or the pancreas not producing enough amount of insulin. Because your body fails to produce enough amount of insulin, it leads to an increase in blood glucose levels. Gestational diabetes is a common type of diabetes which occur in pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy is the main reason why gestational diabetes occurs in women. Usually this form of diabetes disappears after birth, but women who had this condition during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing T2D . Signs and symptoms of diabetes in women over Continue reading >>
Diabetes
Diabetes Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2. There are 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK. That's more than one in 16 people in the UK who has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed). This figure has nearly trebled since 1996, when there were 1.4 million. By 2025, it is estimated that 5 million people will have diabetes in the UK. Pre-diabetes Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is sometimes known as prediabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased. It's very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated. When to see a doctor You should therefore visit your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms, such as feeling thirsty, passing urine more often than usual, and feeling tired all the time. Symptoms of diabetes The main symptoms of diabetes are: feeling very thirsty urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night feeling very tired weight loss and loss of muscle bulk itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush cuts or wounds that heal slowly blurred vision Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days. Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general. What causes diabetes? The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancr Continue reading >>
- American Diabetes Association® Releases 2018 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, with Notable New Recommendations for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
- Leeds diabetes clinical champion raises awareness of gestational diabetes for World Diabetes Day
- Diabetes doctors: Which specialists treat diabetes?
Diabetes Symptoms In Women
Tweet Women should be aware of the symptoms of gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and diabetes resulting from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). If you notice the symptoms of diabetes, the NHS advises that you contact a GP as soon as possible. Treating diabetes early can help to prevent further health complications. What are the symptoms of diabetes that are specific to women? Women may experience the following symptoms: This is over and above the general symptoms of diabetes, which include the following: Thrush and yeast infections Vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis) can be a symptom of diabetes as high blood sugar levels can cause glucose to be excreted via the urine. Glucose in the urine can create a fertile breeding ground for yeast infections. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include: Soreness and itching around the vagina Reddening of the skin A white curd like appearance on the skin White vaginal discharge Pain during intercourse Oral yeast infections can also occur as a symptom of diabetes. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can cause difficulties in sexual activity in the following ways: Lack of sex drive Difficulty with arousal and achieving orgasm Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) High blood sugar levels over a period of time can lead to poor blood supply and/or nerve damage which can lead to problems with arousal and achieving orgasm. High blood sugar can also lead to a lack of natural lubrication in the vagina which can make sex difficult or painful. Psychological reasons can be an alternative reason for female sexual dysfunction. Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes is a specific form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The symptoms of gestational diabetes are the sam Continue reading >>
Diabetes Symptoms In Women
What symptoms and signs of diabetes are the same for women and men? What is diabetes? What is prediabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose), is too high (hyperglycemia). Glucose is what the body uses for energy, and the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps convert the glucose from the food you eat into energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin - or does not produce any at all - the glucose does not reach your cells to be used for energy. This results in diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune condition in which the body does not produce insulin because the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells from the pancreas called beta cells. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which cells cannot use blood sugar (glucose) efficiently for energy. This occurs when blood sugar gets too high over time, and the cells become insensitive to insulin. Prediabetes (sometimes spelled pre-diabetes) is a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Prediabetes does not usually have any symptoms so there may be no warning signs. A blood test can confirm if you have prediabetes. If a person does not change their diet and lifestyle, prediabetes can become type 2 diabetes within 5 years. What signs and symptoms are unique to women with diabetes? Many type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms in women are the same as those in men; however, there are some symptoms and complications of diabetes unique to women. Vaginal itching and pain as well as vaginal and oral yeast infections: An overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus can cause vaginal yeast infections and oral yeas Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes (also called diabetes mellitus type 2) is the most common form of diabetes. Insulin is not required for survival in type 2 diabetes. That is why they used to call it non-insulin dependent diabetes. Insulin resistance is the main problem in type 2 diabetes. It means that your body can’t use insulin effectively. You still make insulin but it is less effective. So, you need more insulin to do the same job. Without effective use of insulin, you blood sugar levels go up. That is what happens in type 2 diabetes. (They don’t call it non-insulin dependent diabetes anymore to avoid the perception that insulin has nothing to with type 2 diabetes.) Many type 2 diabetes patients need insulin to effectively treat high blood sugars because their bodies do not make enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance. Type 2 Diabetes symptoms Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop very slowly. You may already have diabetes, but may not even have the first signs of diabetes for many years. Here is the list of 10 classic diabetes symptoms: Frequent urination Excessive hunger Excessive thirst (dry mouth) Unusual weight loss Extreme fatigue and irritability Frequent infections Blurred vision Cuts/bruises are slow to heal Tingling numbness in the hands or feet Recurring skin, gum or bladder infection If someone asks you, “What are the symptoms of diabetes?”, this list makes it easy to answer the question. However, the list of 10 diabetes symptoms does not help people figure out if they have diabetes. Many patients with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms for many years. When they finally have classic diabetes symptoms, they already have complications of diabetes. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes symptoms Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes leads to many complicati Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes And Pregnancy – Symptoms, Risks And Management
Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy This article will cover everything you need to know about Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy. Deciding to have a baby is a big decision for most people, and for women with Type 1 diabetes, it’s one which means a lot of thought and planning. Taking care of your health and that of your baby is important, as it is for all pregnant women, and if you have Type 1 diabetes it’s crucial. Type 1 diabetes can be difficult to manage on its own, and a pregnancy can complicate it further. Yet many women have successfully met the challenges of diabetes during pregnancy, and have enjoyed healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. What Is Type 1 Diabetes? Previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin helps the body to process a type of sugar (glucose) to create energy. In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin, and without it the body’s cells can’t convert glucose (sugar) into energy. Science doesn’t know what causes this autoimmune condition, and there is no prevention or cure. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include: Excessive thirst Passing more urine Feeling tired and lethargic Constant hunger Slow healing of wounds and cuts Skin infections Blurred vision Unexplained weight loss Mood swings Headaches Feeling dizzy Leg cramps These symptoms can occur suddenly, and usually first affect people under the age of 30. People with Type 1 diabetes need to replace the insulin their bodies can’t make every day. To manage the condition, they must test their blood glucose levels several times daily, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Getting Pregnant With Type 1 Diabetes Research has shown those Continue reading >>
7 Sneaky Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Too High
Here’s a scary stat: More than 15 million men in the U.S. have diabetes—a condition that occurs when your blood sugar is too high—but around a quarter of them don’t even know it, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s bad news. When left unchecked, the condition can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss. One of the reasons why so many people end up going untreated is because the symptoms caused by high blood sugar are sneaky. They tend to develop gradually, so you might not realize that you’re sick, says Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of The End of Diabetes. And even when you notice something is off, the signs can be vague, so you might not make the connection to diabetes. That’s why it’s important to know what to watch for. Here are 7 unexpected signs that your blood sugar levels might be too high. How many do you have? Increased urination is telltale sign that your blood sugar could be out of control. When you have too much glucose—or sugar—in your bloodstream, your kidneys try to flush out the extra through your urine, explains Dr. Fuhrman. As a result, you end up having to pee more often than usual, including in the middle of the night. Since you’re losing so much fluid, you’ll probably feel extra thirsty and your mouth will be dry, too, he says. (For more health news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.) Related: Eat Less Of This So You Won't Have to Wake Up At Night to Pee Peeing more often means that your body is getting rid of more water than usual, which puts you at risk for dehydration, says Dr. Furhman. That can leave you feeling thirsty and cotton-mouthed, even if it seems like you’re drinking the same a Continue reading >>
