How To Know When To See Your Doctor About Diabetes

Diabetes is a world wide epidemic in 2008. Present estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are more than 180 million victims, and this number is growing at a staggering rate. By 2030 there might be more than 360 million diabetics. So, how do you know that you might have diabetes? Many folks are diabetics and do not know it. This introductory article will give you valuable information to help you determine if you need to see a doctor and receive a diabetes’ exam. Links and additional resources are also provided for further research.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (called type 1 diabetes), or when the body cannot efficiently utilize the insulin it produces (called type 2 diabetes or Insulin Resistant Diabetes). Most often, insulin resistance leads to a condition called pre-diabetes before full diabetes sets in.

The object is to catch diabetes in the pre-diabetes phase where it can be more easily managed. Also, most of the major complication from onset diabetes can be delayed or avoided. Many people can control their diabetes through diet and exercise only. As you can tell this is the best alternative.

You might need to see your doctor if you have any of the following pre-signs of diabetes:

1. Do you have a family history of diabetes?

There are definite genetic factors in diabetes, but much is still unknown. Type 2 diabetes has a more pronounced genetic basis than type 1, yet it also depends even more on environmental lifestyles. If you have a strong family history of diabetes, you need to see your doctor and be screened and checked with your regular physical exams.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

Lifestyle issues are very important in the development of diabetes. Studies indicate that a person who leads a sedentary lifestyle has increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

3. Low or No Fiber Diet

Diabetics tend to lack adequate fiber in their diet. Examine what you are eating on a regular basis. Fiber in your body slows down the rate in which glucose (blood sugar) enters your blood stream. Therefore, sugar concentrations are held lower allowing the body to metabolize better.

4. High BMI

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is generally a relationship of a person’s weight to height. The higher the BMI the higher the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you couple this with a sedentary lifestyle, the risk factors are even more.

5. Belly Fat

Persons with a lot of belly fat are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This type of fat is referred to as visceral fat. If you couple this fat with a family history of diabetes, insulin resistance can develop over time. Belly fat builds more resistance than other parts of the body.

6. Do You have any of the following warning signs of diabetes?

• Persistent thirst
• Weight loss or gain
• Frequent urination
• Unusual fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

There are others, but these five warning signs should never be ignored!

7. Have you checked your blood sugar levels?

Glucose levels in the blood are measured in milligrams of sugar per deciliter of blood (Mg/dl). FPG stands for Fasting Plasma Glucose test, and a healthy person should read less than 100 mg/dl after fasting, if no other factors are interfering. If your sugar levels are over this reading, you may be developing pre-diabetes or full onset type 2 diabetes. You might want a friend with a blood sugar monitor to check your blood sugar. If your readings are over the suggested level of 100, it might be advisable to follow this up with your doctor. If it is over 126, you need to see her.

Closing Notes:

The seven points in this hub of diabetic information give you a reasonable guide as to whether you need a diabetes’ physical exam. In my case I, out of ignorance, did not know how important they were and went years without treatment. My body has been damaged and I am now a kidney transplant patient. See your doctor and correct the pre-conditions of diabetes as best you can. If you do not control it, it will control you.

Sincerely,

Wbisbill