Adult Diabetes
Adult diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, is typically seen in adults, although anyone from any age group can be diagnosed with it. Diabetes is a serious condition that affects plenty of people throughout the world; because of this, it is important to know as much as possible about it. What causes adult diabetes? What are the symptoms? What is the biology behind it? How is it treated? These are all crucial things to know in studying the condition, and its effect on the human body.
Many people cite their diabetes issues as ancestral; if a person’s family has had a history of the condition, he or she is much more likely to be diagnosed with it. Besides genetic factors, diabetes may just arrive with old age or with obesity. To avoid diabetes, a healthy diet and regular exercise are a must-have, along with keeping up with your doctor’s appointments and check-ups.
A visit to the doctor is never a bad thing if someone suspects they may have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share very similar symptoms, including increased urination throughout the day, as well as unusual levels of hunger and thirst. A person may lose weight and experience unclear vision, as well as fatigue. More specific to Type 2 Diabetes is infections that may form within the bladder, the skin, or the gums. Any small wounds, such as cuts or bruises, may take a bit longer to heal, and there may be occasional numbness and a prickly feeling throughout the limbs. It is very easy to mistake any of these symptoms as a sure sign of diabetes, however, so consulting a doctor is a wise decision.
Irregular levels on insulin and blood sugar cause diabetes. To simplify the process, the hormone insulin helps regulate the levels of sugar in the blood, also known as blood sugar. While in a normal human body, the insulin functions as it should, a diabetic’s insulin is rendered useless; this leads to unregulated levels of blood sugar, which then leads to the symptoms that were listed above. Several medicines have become available that aid in taming the blood sugar levels; these are sometimes taken with meals, since insulin levels are highest after food and energy are consumed. Sugar is broken down into a sort of “fuel” that the body can use, and without insulin to oversee this process, the symptom of fatigue can often be felt.
Anyone with diabetes should manage their diet and exercise schedule well, in addition to any medications that may be offered. Adult diabetes is more common than people think, so having some background knowledge about the condition does not hurt. Adult diabetes does become more common with age, so it is important to keep an eye out for the symptoms. No one symptom is a sure diagnosis, but a careful eye is a good tool. Adult diabetes, at least, can be treated and maintained with a regulated diet and exercise routine, along with medicine.