Understanding the Risks Behind Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the United States, however it is the least understood. The majority of the Americans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This disease may also be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes. Unlike those individuals with type 1 diabetes, those with type 2 can produce their own insulin, unfortunately their pancreas does not make enough, or their bodies are unequipped to handle it efficiently. This is known as the process of insulin resistance. When there is not enough insulin in the body, glucose cannot be processed throughout the body’s cells. If glucose builds up into the blood stream rather than being distributed, cell can and will not function properly. This can cause nerve damage over time; it can even damage the kidneys, heart, eyes, or induce heart attack and stroke. A buildup of blood glucose can cause dehydration and in the most severe of circumstances can cause an individual to go into a diabetic coma. With the dangers of diabetes, if you are at risk, you should consider taking a diabetes quiz.
A diabetes quiz is one where you answer a few questions to test your knowledge of diabetes. It is important to understand diabetes and the associated symptoms. For each individual the symptoms will vary. These symptoms may include any combination of the following: increased thirst and hunger, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, slow healing sores, blurred vision, numbness in hands and feet, increased urination, and frequent infections. It is rare that those with type 2 are diagnosed after falling into a diabetic coma. It is more likely that this disease is diagnosed through blood testing, or through an additional test called 2-hour glucose tolerance. Your doctor may also want check for keytones (excess glucose) in your urine. Additionally, you may also receive a blood test known as hemoglobin A1c which shows average blood sugar for the past two to three months. This can give some sight into your blood sugar conditions. A diabetes quiz will help you understand more about the disease. Especially for those at risk to have diabetes, it is important to understand the symptoms. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend of children being diagnosed with this disease. Anyone one can get this disease, but there are certain demographics at higher risk. Those who are over 45, over weight, have family with this disease, had gestational diabetes, don’t exercise, high blood pressure, or have pre-diabetes. There are a any number of causes for type 2 diabetes, and it may even be genetic.
It is possible for the disease to be controlled, but if left untreated there may be many critical or fatal complications. Kidney damage is something which will only worsen over time. If not treated in early stages, this may lead to total kidney failure. There are also negative vision implications as well. For instance, retinopathy is also a diabetic complication. Those with this disease already have vision issues, but without proper diabetic management, more serious eye related issues may develop. To control eye diseases, it is also important to control cholesterol and blood pressure as well. With diabetes it is common to have poor circulation which can lead to even more diabetic complications.