Diabetes is a condition that has been diagnosed in greater than 10 million Americans, and remains undiagnosed in 5 million more.
Diabetes occurs when a person’s body is unable to properly process glucose (a sugar that the body uses for energy.) This inability to process glucose causes it to stay in the blood making glucose levels rise. Consequently, the bodies cells are deprived of glucose.
There are two types of diabetes, simply put, type one and type two. Type one diabetes is known as childhood-onset or insulin dependent diabetes, this occurs when the pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin for the body. Type two, or adult-onset diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes enough insulin but the body has a hard time using it (insulin resistance.)
Diabetes can lead to other serious health conditions. Poor wound healing, high risk of infection, atherosclerosis, and heart disease are some of the risks associated with diabetes. Early diagnoses and aggressive treatment can help to prevent these risks
Early Signs of Adult-Onset Diabetes
1. Frequent urination
2. Frequent thirst
3. Excessive hunger
4. Unexplained weight gain
5. Inability to concentrate
6. Unexplained drowsiness
7. Blurred Vision
8. Numbness or tingling in hands or feet