Are You Aware of Diabetes Warning Signs?

Diabetes is not an uncommon health condition in the senior population, and while most seniors have heard of it and have some understanding of what it is; but few are actually aware of the warning signs. This can lead to lack of treatment when it’s necessary, and then more serious health complications can arise. Make sure you’re aware of the warning signs whether you’re a senior yourself, or whether your care for one as a professional or family caregiver.

1. More frequent urination – if suddenly there’s a more frequent need to urinate with no evident changes in drinking patterns or diet, this can indicate diabetes as the kidneys attempt to dilute the glucose

2. Weight loss – it’s not a apparent in Type 2 diabetes though even gradual weight loss with no obvious cause can be reason for concern

3. Fatigue or physical weakness – it’s not uncommon for seniors with diabetes to become more fatigued or have feelings of physical weakness. Often they attribute this to aging and don’t seek additional help, but these are not symptoms that should just be accepted

4. Extreme thirst – diabetes can cause seniors to feel constantly thirsty. Drinking more frequently is common, but even then thirst can be unquenchable

5. Tingling and Numbness – high levels of glucose, when left untreated can wreak havoc with the nervous system resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs

6. Skin imperfections – frequent bruises that fail to go away, rashes, itching and dry skin can also appear

Via: about.com http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/p/Symptoms.htm

In the medical profession, we have forever blamed lifestyle and genetics upon diabetes and blood sugar issues. The seniors that we see in our Denver clinic are told to lose weight, maintain an active lifestyle, and watch what they eat if they want to stand a fighting chance of preventing the onset of diabetes or improving the affects once it’s already occurred. As it turns out, a recent study has proven that other factors contribute to the development of diabetes that goes beyond lifestyle and genetics.

According to the study, nitrates, nitrites and nitrosamines found in processed foods and even pesticides can play a role in the development of age related diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. According to the research, these substances can break down insulin resistance and damage DNA, resulting in an increased risk for these illnesses.

So no matter how much we encourage our patients to lead a healthy lifestyle in our Denver clinic, there is definitely more at play when it comes to the onset of diseases like diabetes that we just can’t control or predict, and we learn about these factors everyday.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today

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