Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs because the body is unable to use blood sugar (glucose) properly. The exact cause of this malfunction is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors play a part . Risk factors for diabetes include obesity and high levels of cholesterol.
Can you suddenly become diabetic?
In people with type 1 diabetes, the onset of symptoms can be very sudden , while in type 2 diabetes, they tend to come about more gradually, and sometimes there are no signs at all. Symptoms sometimes occur after a viral illness.
What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?
- Frequent urination. When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys expel the excess blood sugar, causing you to urinate more frequently. ...
- Increased thirst. ...
- Fatigue. ...
- Blurred vision. ...
- Increased hunger. ...
- Unexplained weight loss. ...
- Slow healing cuts and wounds. ...
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
Can I prevent diabetes?
Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes —such as losing a small amount of weight and getting more physically active—even if you're at high risk.
How do I know if I'm diabetic?
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes high blood sugar levels. Early signs and symptoms can include frequent urination, increased thirst, feeling tired and hungry, vision problems, slow wound healing, and yeast infections .
Can a 23 year old get diabetes?
People can develop type 1 diabetes at any age, from early childhood to adulthood , but the average age at diagnosis is 13 years. An estimated 85% of all type 1 diagnoses take place in people aged under 20 years.
What food causes diabetes?
sugar-sweetened beverages (juice, soda, sweet tea, sports drinks) sweeteners (table sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses) processed foods (chips, microwave popcorn, processed meat, convenience meals) trans fats (vegetable shortening, fried foods, dairy-free coffee creamers, partially hydrogenated oil)
Can I test myself for diabetes?
Home testing kits bought over the counter can't diagnose diabetes . Neither can testing equipment used by people with diabetes, like blood glucose meters. They will show only your blood sugar levels at the moment you test.
Can type 2 diabetes be cured?
There's no cure for type 2 diabetes , but losing weight, eating well and exercising can help you manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar, you may also need diabetes medications or insulin therapy.
What are the three main signs of diabetes?
The main symptoms of diabetes are described as the three polys – polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia . Individuals with high risk for developing diabetes should be alert to these symptoms and seek medical attention if they notice the above symptoms.
Can you have diabetes and be skinny?
You don't have to be overweight or obese to get type 2 diabetes. In fact, you can have high blood sugar even if you look thin . Around 10% to 15% of people with type 2 diabetes are at a healthy weight. It's called lean diabetes.
How long does it take to get diabetes?
Symptoms and Risk Factors
It can take months or years before symptoms of type 1 diabetes are noticed. Type 1 diabetes symptoms can develop in just a few weeks or months . Once symptoms appear, they can be severe. Some type 1 diabetes symptoms are similar to symptoms of other health conditions.
Are you born with type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes often develops in childhood or adolescence . The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but genetics seems to play a role. In this form, there is a problem with the body's insulin production and/or delivery.
Which is worse type 1 or 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is often milder than type 1 . But it can still cause major health complications, especially in the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 also raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Who is at high risk for diabetes?
Age. Women older than age 25 are at increased risk. Family or personal history. Your risk increases if you have prediabetes — a precursor to type 2 diabetes — or if a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has type 2 diabetes.
What should I eat to avoid diabetes?
- Choose whole grains and whole grain products over refined grains and other highly processed carbohydrates. ...
- Skip the sugary drinks, and choose water, coffee, or tea instead. ...
- Choose healthy fats. ...
- Limit red meat and avoid processed meat; choose nuts, beans, whole grains, poultry, or fish instead.
How can I prevent diabetes naturally?
- Cut sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. ...
- Quit smoking if you are a current tobacco user. ...
- Watch your portions. ...
- Aim for 30. ...
- Drink water. ...
- Eat fiber.
Can eating junk food cause diabetes?
Junk foods are high in trans and saturated fats, which can raise levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that is present in the blood. High levels of triglycerides increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes .
What Colour is urine in diabetes?
Diabetes can cause cloudy urine when too much sugar builds up in your urine. Your urine may also smell sweet or fruity. Diabetes can also lead to kidney complications or increase risk of infections of the urinary tract, both of which can also make your urine appear cloudy.
Is 17 a high blood sugar level?
If your blood sugar levels are consistently high (usually above 20 mmol/L in adults and above 14 mmol/L in children ), you may have moderate to severe symptoms of high blood sugar.
What are the warning signs of prediabetes?
- Blurry vision.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Dry mouth.
- Excessive thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Increase in urinary tract infections.
- Increased irritability, nervousness or anxiety.
- Itchy skin.
