Type ll Diabetes Risk Factors and Symptoms

Throughout the medical arena, type ll diabetes is now widely recognised globally as one of the fastest growing life threatening conditions in the twenty first century. Unlike type 1 diabetes it is a condition that can mostly be prevented with a few changes to lifestyle. If diagnosed early enough it can even be controlled through diet, exercise and medication.

There are a number of symptoms that can provide timely warning signals for the onset of type ll diabetes yet some diabetics experience no symptoms at all.

The following risk factors can help you decide if you need to talk to a doctor to find out what the chances are of you developing diabetes.

· A close relative has diabetes, parent, sibling

· Being overweight

· Smoking

· Excessive alcohol consumption

· Age, risks increase over the age of 35

· Inactivity or leading a sedentary life

Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be similar to Type 1 making the diagnosis almost impossible without a blood test for verification and symptoms can vary greatly from one person to the next. Most people with diabetes type 1 will be diagnosed at an early age and need insulin therapy. Whereas diabetes type 2 is more likely to be developed through lifestyle and genetics.

Excessive urination is often the end result of too much glucose in the blood. The body relies on the kidneys to filter glucose and maintain the waterworks but if the supply of insulin is insufficient the kidneys will try to draw extra water out of the blood. The result is a constant need to empty your bladder.

Constant thirst and dry mouth can eventuate as the body attempts to dilute the excessive amount of sugar present in the blood.

Increased Hunger is brought on by the lack of insulin required for energy. The body only thinks it needs more food. This is the most common symptom.

Other symptoms to look out for are unexplained weight loss or gain, feeling tired for no reason, irritability and blurred vision.

If you answered yes to more than one of the questions above, the best thing is to make an appointment with your doctor to have your blood sugar level checked. This test will be done after an eight hour fasting period. While no-one enjoys being stuck with a needle, it is only a mild discomfort and well worth it for the benefits of early diagnosis of diabetes.

Making small changes to your lifestyle for improved health can go a long way in preventing the onset of diabetes. Even if you don’t have any of the symptoms becoming more aware of how your body works by checking your diet and increasing your activity can only work in your favour. Good health to all of us!