Type II diabetes can come on you slowly, you might have it for five years and not even know it. Type II diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes which is different than type I diabetes which is known as juvenile diabetes which usually affects children, though adults can also be diagnosed with type I diabetes. Some good examples of this are NFL quarterback Jay Cutler who was diagnosed with type I juvenile diabetes at age 25 and actress Mary Tyler Moore who was diagnosed with type I juvenile diabetes at age 35. According to current research, there is nothing you can do to prevent type I diabetes, It is a predetermined genetic condition, but there are numerous things you can do to prevent yourself from getting type II adult onset diabetes.

In the United States, type II diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. The reason for this was first thought to be because of the aging baby boomer population, but this adult diabetes is now affecting teenagers and young adults in their 20s. The most likely reason for this is the increase in number of those who are overweight and an increasingly unhealthy diet.

Signs of type II diabetes

Type II diabetes can come on you slowly at first or some of the symptoms might come on rather quickly. Here are the signs and symptoms of type II adult onset diabetes.

• Extreme hunger, even after eating
• Extreme thirst.
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling unusually fatigued.
• Changes in eyesight. Your eyesight can be fine one minute or day and then unusually poor the next and then back to fine again. This is caused by the changes in blood sugar as high blood sugar can cause your eyesight to be abnormally bad.
• Dry, itchy skin.
• Frequent urination
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
• Sores or bruises that take a long time to heal.
• Frequent or recurring yeast infections.

From the people I know who have been diagnosed with adult diabetes; the one thing that got them to the doctor most frequently was the eyesight symptoms. Many people can have diabetes for 5 years before knowing they have it. It is recommended that if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should check with your doctor. The test for diabetes is simple and straightforward. You will have a blood test to test your blood sugar levels. If you get a high reading, another test will be done to confirm if the first reading actual means you have diabetes.

Who is at risk for type II diabetes

• Being overweight seems to be the number one reason.
• This disease is also hereditary so if your brothers, sisters or a parent has had adult diabetes, you should certainly watch for symptoms and do everything to prevent getting diabetes.
• Over the age of 45.
• Not exercising regularly.
• If you gave birth to a baby that weighed over 9 pounds or you had gestational diabetes while pregnant.
• If you are African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Native American or Asian American, you could be at a higher risk.

If you are in one of the higher risk groups, you might consider being tested regularly for diabetes.

Preventing diabetes

I know of some people who think they will eat and drink whatever they want to and not feel they have to watch their weight, and if and when they are diagnosed with diabetes, they will then just stop drinking and lose weight and no problem. Except that it doesn’t work that way, there is no known cure for diabetes. If you do get it, you will have it the rest of your life. So preventing yourself from getting it is the best course of action.

Studies have shown that those who follow a low fat diet and exercise at least a half an hour per day, cutting their body fat by 5 to 7 percent, lowered their risk of diabetes by 58%. The exercise could be as easy as 30 minutes of walking or other low intensity exercise. A healthy diet with exercise is the best prevention against diabetes.

Foods that can be unhealthy and also aggravate blood sugar levels are, white bread, white rice, white pasta and white potatoes as they can raise blood sugar levels rapidly. Also sugary drinks such as soda pop, fruit punch and fruit juice. Cutting back on refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks and sugar in general is a good start to a healthier diet and prevention of diabetes.

A possible cure for type II diabetes

There is promising evidence that gastric bypass surgery can alleviate and in some cases completely resolve diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a study of 312 obese patients with type II diabetes underwent the Scopinaro procedure between 1983 and 1994. In this study all but two of the patients had normal glucose levels, and all but six of these patients remained in the normal levels 10 years after the surgery. In the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) June 2004, the authors reported there was a 70% resolution of the diabetes. This would be something you can discuss with your doctor, since this surgery has its own complications.

© 2009 Sam Montana

Resources:

American Diabetic Association

MedicineNet.com