By Merville C. Marshall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E.

20.8 million children and adults, a total of 7% of the American population have diabetes.  Think that is shocking? The real shocker is that nearly one out of three people who have diabetes don’t know they have it.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that hinders the body’s ability to use insulin properly.  Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that the body needs to convert food into energy.  In diabetics, either the pancreas doesn’t make insulin, the body cannot use insulin properly, or both.  Without insulin, glucose (sugar) builds up in the blood.  Eventually this build-up of glucose, known as high blood glucose, damages nerves and blood vessels. High blood glucose can cause heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, foot infections, and in serious cases, enough damage to the limbs to require amputation.

People are born with Type 1 Diabetes, but the greatest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity.  Although there is no cure for diabetes, eating the right foods, maintaining healthy weight, and getting plenty of exercise goes a long way in preventing the onset of diabetes.  If you or your loved one has diabetes, a healthy lifestyle, including all the tips mentioned above, will help manage the symptoms of diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

As a caregiver, look for the signs and symptoms and take action:

• Bed wetting.This may be a sign of increased urination, a symptom of diabetes.
• Increased hunger and thirst.  Both of these are signs of diabetes, but your loved one may not tell you (or may not know) they are dehydrated or hungry. To check for dehydration, look for the following signs: dry tongue, dry skin, weakness, or a change in mental capabilities.
• Unexplained fatigue and weakness. This is a sign of diabetes, among other potential conditions. Check with your healthcare provider if you notice your loved one seems overly tired or weak.
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain. If your loved one has diabetes, the weight loss or gain may be accompanied by loss of muscle mass. Check with your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in weight or muscle mass.
• Sores that heal more slowly than normal or frequent infections. Both of these are signs that the body may be having trouble fighting something. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider.
• Foot cuts, sores, bruises, bumps, or infections. People with diabetes may have decreased sensation or numbness in the feet, so they may not be aware of any foot problems.

Sometimes a person will slowly develop high glucose levels without manifesting any symptoms.  Therefore, it is crucial to schedule routine glucose screening tests for your loved one. Caregivers can also use a glucometer, which is a tool you can use at home to conveniently monitor glucose levels. You can purchase a glucometer at your local drugstore. Be sure to supplement any home glucose testing with glucose screening tests in a lab or professional healthcare environment.

Ask Your Doctor about Diabetes Testing

The American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults have a fasting blood glucose test at age 45.  Don’t forget to mention to your doctor if you or your loved one has a parent or sibling with diabetes. Diabetes can be hereditary. A sedentary lifestyle and high blood pressure are additional risk factors for diabetes.

Many Treatment Options

Some people can control their blood glucose levels with diet and exercise alone.  In addition to lifestyle changes, some people may need to take medications, or have insulin injections.  Controlling blood glucose is essential and monitoring blood glucose is crucial.  Your healthcare team will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that works for both you and your loved one.