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Diabetes Type 2 - Half of Americans Are Undiagnosed
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Perhaps you recognize that around 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes. It's possible that you even recognize that about ninety-five percent of these people have diabetes type 2 (rather than type 1). But what many people do not know is that half of those with type 2 diabetes are wholly blind to the fact that they have it!
You may think this is out of the question, but it's not. So many are undiagnosed because type 2 diabetes is known as a "silent disease." Therefore, a lot of people who have this disease have no symptoms at all, or they display symptoms that are so mild as to be brushed off. Likewise, it frequently is unknown because the symptoms are easy to confuse with the normal signs of getting older, and the symptoms of type 2 diabetes normally replicate those of other medical diseases. Virtually all people with diabetes type 2 are unaware that they have this disease until severe symptoms take place... This usually means the disease has developed to advanced levels.
Why Do I Have Diabetes Type 2?
Diabetes type 2 oftentimes begins as insulin resistance; this is a condition that causes incompetent utilization of insulin in your cells. Your body's need for insulin increases, and the pancreas loses the ability to sufficiently produce it. Your body is now unable to transport blood sugar into your cells.
Diabetes Type 2: What Causes It?
No one knows the exact cause. There does appear to be a genetic factor, since it repeatedly prevails in families. It is also usually thought that a genetic tendency alone is not the only cause for the maturation of diabetes type 2; it seems to call for some other factor, like obesity, to initiate the onset of the condition.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
It is common for different patients to feel different symptoms, and frequently, these signs are the same as the difficulties that take place as an effect of physical aging. Nevertheless, the most frequent symptoms may include:
*High sugar levels in your bloodstream
*High levels of sugar in the urine (you must have your urine tested)
*Nausea and/or vomiting
*Tingling or loss of feeling in the extremities
*Frequent urination
*Mood swings
*Blurred vision
*Severe thirst
*Itchy, dry skin
How Do I Treat Diabetes Type 2?
It is vital that you confer with the doctor when you are diagnosed with diabetes type 2. There are many alternatives for treatment that are based on several different elements, like your physical health, the extent of your diabetes, and your expectations for the course of the disease. The broad goal of your treatment is to hold your blood sugar at a stable level.
Often, you can control diabetes type 2 through losing weight, working out, and eating balanced meals. In certain cases, though, these life style improvements alone are not enough; it may be required for you to get insulin or prescription medication. If you think you are at risk of contracting diabetes type 2, it is necessary that you keep an eye on it; the sooner you find it, the higher your chances will become for a happy and satisfying life.
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Nick Hurd writes about aging and baby boomer generation and how to not only cope with the changes, but live a very healthy and active life. More information is available at http://www.youreover50.com Diabetes Information. This information is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult your physician for specific medical advice. copyright 2009 Nicholas Hurd all rights reserved. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Hurd |
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Article Submitted On: May 08, 2009
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MLA Style Citation:
Hurd, Nicholas "Diabetes Type 2 - Half of Americans Are Undiagnosed." Diabetes Type 2 - Half of Americans Are Undiagnosed. 8 May. 2009 EzineArticles.com. 10 Feb. 2010 <http://ezinearticles.com/?Diabetes-Type-2---Half-of-Americans-Are-Undiagnosed&id=2321650>.
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APA Style Citation:
Hurd, N. (2009, May 8). Diabetes Type 2 - Half of Americans Are Undiagnosed. Retrieved February 10, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Diabetes-Type-2---Half-of-Americans-Are-Undiagnosed&id=2321650
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Chicago Style Citation:
Hurd, Nicholas "Diabetes Type 2 - Half of Americans Are Undiagnosed." Diabetes Type 2 - Half of Americans Are Undiagnosed EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Diabetes-Type-2---Half-of-Americans-Are-Undiagnosed&id=2321650