Health nuts and health care providers around the country tell you that sugar is bad and it can cause major issues in your later life. One such result is diabetes.
“…345,000 Minnesotans, or nearly one in three adult Minnesotans with high blood pressure, reported they were not tested for diabetes in the last three years despite a national recommendation for testing,” reported the Minnesota Department of Health on Nov. 26.
Diabetes is not something to be ignored with the mindset of “it can’t happen to me.” It can, no matter what your age is. Some are born with type-I diabetes, and others develop type-I or type-II later in life.
“If you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the causes may differ,” said the Mayo Clinic on their website. “Glucose is vital to your health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It’s also your brain’s main source of fuel.”
Who are most at risk for diabetes? According to WebMD, for type-II diabetes, those most at risk are those who: Are over 45, are obese or overweight, have a family history of diabetes, have pre-diabetes, don’t exercise, have low good cholesterol, and have high blood pressure. Race may also make you more susceptible.
“When symptoms of type-II diabetes happen, they vary from person to person…” said WebMD.
Symptoms can include increased thirst, increased hunger (particularly after eating), dry mouth, nausea and sometimes vomiting, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, sores that are slow to heal, and frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina.
A doctor can check you for diabetes by checking for abnormalities in your blood during a random fasting blood test or a test known as the 2-hour glucose test. Another common way is through a urine sample where the doctor looks for any present glucose or ketones.
Be smart and on top of your health now. A little change to make your life healthier can go a long way by the time you’re 45.
