Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?

Answer 1

The simple answer is yes. A recent study has indicated that more than 30 percent of adults over the age of 65 have Diabetes. Of those people, almost half are likely to be undiagnosed. That means there is a chance you could be suffering from diabetes but receiving no treatment for your illness.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes happens when your body doesn't make enough of the insulin hormone or it has a problem using insulin properly. There are 2 different kinds of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes results when either your pancreas doesn't produce an adequate amount of insulin or when it makes enough insulin but your cells ignore it. Ninety percent or more of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes. When your body digests the food you eat, it changes it into glucose, a type of sugar. Insulin makes it possible for the glucose to enter your cells to be used for energy. People with diabetes don't have enough insulin to facilitate this process, or the insulin can't be used properly. As a result, glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into your body's cells. High blood sugar can lead to a number of very serious health problems like heart and kidney disease. Know the symptoms.

In order to stay healthy, you need to know the symptoms:

• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Dry, itchy skin
• Wounds and bruises that heal very slowly
• Tiredness
• Numbness and/or tingling in your hands and feet
• Blurry vision
• Frequent yeast infections
• Unexplained changes in weight

Are there tests for diabetes?

Yes. Your doctor can screen for diabetes by ordering a fasting blood test. With a fasting blood test, your blood is drawn early in the morning before breakfast and you are instructed not to eat anything after dinner the night preceding your test.

Early detection is key.

Type 2 diabetics usually have the condition for years before they show any signs or symptoms. Then, once they are finally diagnosed, they may already have kidney, gum, and nerve or eye disease. While diabetes cannot be cured, treatment options greatly reduce your risk of suffering from additional complications. You can keep your diabetes in control with medicine, proper diet, and exercise. It's important to keep your weight under control and see your doctor routinely to monitor your progress.