LIFESTYLE NEWS - If you are experiencing one or more of the warning signs associated with diabetes, make an appointment with your doctor. 

Here are some pointers. 

Diabetes symptoms:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet (type 2)

Possible difficulties with diagnosing diabetes
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes may have symptoms that are so mild that they go unnoticed.

There are similarities between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but the cause of each is very different. The treatments are not the same either.

Type 1 diabetes can start at any age. When an adult is diagnosed with diabetes, they can mistakenly be told that they have type 2 diabetes. Some adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes are often not sick at first. Their doctor finds an elevated blood sugar level and starts them on diet, exercise and an oral medication. There are also people who seem to have type 2 diabetes – they may be overweight – but they actually have type 1 diabetes. This can be difficult for doctors to diagnose.

It may be a different type of diabetes
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but isn’t responding well to the typical treatments for type 2 diabetes, it may be worth a visit to an endocrinologist to determine what type of diabetes it is. Generally this requires antibody tests and possibly the measurement of a C-peptide level.

Diabetes is a progressive disease that may require re-evaluation and change in the treatment plan over time.

If you have diabetes, you will need to carefully track your diet to prevent blood sugar levels from getting too high. This generally means watching carbohydrate intake as well as limiting over-processed, low-fibre foods.

Prevention
Diabetes may not be prevented in all cases. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. You may be able to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by managing your diet and staying active, but genetics and other risk factors may increase your risk despite your best efforts.

Source: American Diabetes Association