People with diabetes need to manage it carefully to stay healthy – so what are the main diabetes symptoms and how do you look after yourself?
What Is Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes affects adults (people over the age of 45) and makes up 85-90% of all diabetes cases.
If you have diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the insulin doesn’t work effectively and/or your body’s cells don’t respond appropriately to the insulin production. As such your blood sugar levels are not maintained at a healthy level.
When diabetic patients consume glucose, they can’t convert it into energy for the body.Â
What Are The Main Diabetes Symptoms?
Symptoms of diabetes may include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Urinating more often
- Feeling very hungry
- Feeling very tired
- Having slow-healing wounds
- Skin infections (that are typically itchy)
- Gradual weight gain
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Mood swings
Not all people present with these symptoms of diabetes. Some people may experience a major episode such as a heart attack if their diabetes has been silent. So it is a good idea to have your glucose levels tested regularly, especially if you are over the age of 55 or over the age of 45 and overweight.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Management of diabetes is essential to keep it under management. It usually requires you to manage your lifestyle by following a healthy, balanced diet, a moderate exercise plan and often includes medications (oral medication or insulin injections) to keep your blood sugar stable. Managing diabetes is important for your physical and mental health.
Do you have questions or concerns about diabetes symptoms? It’s best to consult with a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9884 9300.
