ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — About 38 million Americans are plagued with diabetes. Of those 38 million, almost nine million don’t even know they have the condition. It’s easy to go undiagnosed if you’re asymptomatic or you don’t know what to look for. Ivanhoe tells us what important warning signs to watch out for. Silent killer
Diabetes, often dubbed the “silent killer” can go unnoticed for years if one isn’t aware of the warning signs. Early detection is key to preventing severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision problems.
Alison Massey, MS, RD, CDCES, Registered Dietitian and Owner, Flourish Nutrition Therapy & Wellness says, “Unless you’re going to regular checkups and getting your bloodwork done, you probably feel fine, and that’s why pre-diabetes, and even type 2 diabetes, can be a ‘silent disease.’”
Some crucial warning signs to look out for are, increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing wounds, and numbness or tingling of the limbs. To prevent these conditions, Professor Massey says … “Exercise, I always say, is free medicine for the body. It does lower blood sugar levels, and daily activity of at least 30 minutes, i certainly recommend it.”
She also recommends eating healthier – which includes incorporating more whole foods, fruits and veggies, as well as reducing your sugar and alcohol consumption – getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, losing weight, and quitting smoking. Keeping you in the know about diabetes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait. Consult with a healthcare provider immediately. For more information on diabetes and its management, visit diabetes.org.
Contributors to this news report include: Adahlia Thomas, Producer; Chuck Bennethum, Editor.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/untreated-diabetes-what-to-know
https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/warning-signs-symptoms
https://www.lutheranhospital.com/health-library/399
DIABETES: WARNING SIGNS OF A “SILENT KILLER”
REPORT #3205
PREDIABETES: According to the Mayo Clinic, “prediabetes means you have a higher than normal blood sugar level,” and without any changes to a patient’s lifestyle they gain a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While long-term damage of diabetes may already be in motion, diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is not a guarantee. Eating and staying physically healthy can help prevent type 2 diabetes. One sign of prediabetes is darkened skin on the neck, armpits, and groin, but prediabetes doesn’t usually have symptoms. The American Diabetes Association recommends making a plan with a health care professional to prevent type 2 diabetes.
(Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/prediabetes)
DIABETES: The three types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that kills the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. While it is mainly diagnosed in children, people of any age can develop it, and type 1 is often misdiagnosed in adults as type 2. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are frequent urination, blurry visions, slow-healing cuts and bruises, weight loss, and intense thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Type 2, previously called adult on-set diabetes, means a person’s body isn’t producing enough insulin to control blood sugar. Type 2 can be controlled through taking insulin or through healthy eating and physical activity. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are very similar to type 1, adding numbness, pain, or tingling in limbs. Gestational diabetes is when a parent cannot develop insulin or use of insulin is blocked during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes has no known cause and is often symptomless, but is easily treatable if caught early. People with gestational diabetes have a high risk of developing it again in a subsequent pregnancy and a high risk of developing type 2 in the future.
(Source: https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193)
DIABETES PREVENTION: Diabetes can be prevented by testing frequently for prediabetes, so if diagnosed someone could take the steps to prevent type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating habits, especially controlling the intake of processed and sugary food and drinks, as well as alcohol, can also prevent diabetes. Staying active is also important for people with and without diabetes, from a daily walk to intense workouts. Quitting smoking is good for overall health, and in as little as eight weeks can lower blood sugar levels. Finally, keeping a healthy weight, getting a good night’s sleep, and managing stress levels can lower blood pressure levels and prevent insulin resistance.
(Source: https://www.lutheranhospital.com/health-library/399)
* For More Information, Contact: Alison Massey, MS, RD, CDCES
Owner, Flourish Nutrition Therapy & Wellness
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