According to the American Diabetes Association, 54 million people have pre-diabetes. What is more startling is that there are approximately 20 million children and adults who have diabetes, yet about 6.2 million do not realize they have it. What are the signs you may have high blood sugar resulting in pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes? Let’s take a look.
Studies by the American Diabetes Associates have determined that pre-diabetes can be prevented through a proper diet and exercise program. Anyone who has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes may develop Type 2 diabetes if not detected early. What is the difference between the former and the latter? If one’s blood sugar level is high, but does not reach the threshold of Type 2 diabetes, then the diagnosis would fall under the heading of pre-diabetes.
How do you know if you have high blood sugar levels? Here are some of the signs:
* You are constantly thirsty
* You urinate more often than usual
* You appetite increases
* You tire easily
* You may lose weight
* There may be sores that do not heal as quickly as they ought to
* Your skin is very dry
* You may experience numbness in your feet
* Your eyesight may become blurry
The way to determine if you have high blood sugar levels is to have a blood test. Your doctor can ascertain whether or not you have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. There are other types of diabetes such as Type 1, which is usually found in children, or gestational diabetes, which is found in pregnant women during their last trimester. Type 2 diabetes, however, is the most common and can affect adults who are obese or lead sedentary lifestyles. Thus, engaging in physical exercise on a routine basis along with a proper diet can keep the blood sugar levels in check.
If you have been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to ascertain if you have any form of diabetes. It is also important to let the doctor know if anyone in your family has diabetes, since it may be an inherited condition.
While there are complications that can arise from diabetes, it is necessary to learn as much as you can about the type of diabetes you have and what you can do to control it. There are medications, insulin, and blood glucose monitors which you can utilize on a daily basis to check your blood sugar level. The good news is that it is treatable if diagnosed early.
