9 Early Signs of Type 2 Diabetes That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

9 Early Signs of Type 2 Diabetes That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 130 million citizens of the country are either diabetic or prediabetic, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders. Symptoms often vary from mild to severe; some can be managed either with simple prescriptions or major lifestyle and nutrition changes to cure severe diabetes. However, knowing the symptoms listed below and identifying some warning signs is ideal for an early diagnosis.

Persistent urination
Excessive urination is one of the many early warning signs of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes affects the ability of the body to break down sugars consumed from foods, and the excess is left behind in the bloodstream. The kidneys must work overtime to remove this excess sugar, so they filter out more water, resulting in frequent urination. The frequency and persistency of urination are increased at night, even if one is not drinking too much water.

Increased thirst and hunger
It is not uncommon for people with diabetes to drink more water, even during the earlier stages. It is one of the indicators that the body is losing fluids rapidly and must be replenished to avoid dehydration. People with diabetes can also not effectively convert food into energy as the body’s ability to break down glucose for energy is affected. It increases hunger pangs, and as a result, people with diabetes often crave more foods despite having had a filling meal only recently. As insufficient glucose is circulated throughout the body, fatigue can start to set in when a person feels less satiated.

Warning signs on the skin
Often, many people miss out on the evident signs of diabetes that appear on the skin. These visible signs can vary from yellow, brownish, or reddish patches to even dark skin that may feel velvety when touched. Open sores, wounds, blisters, shin spots, and even a sudden outbreak of reddish bumps all indicate skin problems triggered due to abnormal levels of blood sugar. Also, persistent skin infections without any underlying cause or history of skin disease may show issues with developing type 2 diabetes. Immediate medical attention is advisable at this point.

Injuries that don’t heal
Diabetes directly affects the blood sugar levels in the body. Any rapid increase or decrease in the levels also affects the body’s blood circulation and immunity. This, in turn, interferes with the body’s natural ability to heal open wounds, cuts, and sores. Often, people with diabetes struggle with recovering even the smallest of cuts and injuries, whereas, for others, it can heal within a matter of hours. Wounds that heal slowly also increase the risk of infection.

Fatigue and blurry vision
Fatigue is one of the main signs of changes in blood sugar levels because the body cannot generate enough insulin to break down glucose into energy. Diabetes also affects blood circulation, which means less oxygenated blood flowing to the extremities in the body, thus resulting in more muscle and body exhaustion. Excess sugar buildup in the bloodstream also affects and damages tiny blood vessels in the eyes resulting in blurry vision. Patients with mild to moderate type 2 diabetes might start noticing these symptoms early on as the blood sugar levels increase aggressively.

Increased infections
Yeast is a common fungus that is naturally present in the human body. Usually, it stays dormant on the skin and does not trigger any flare-ups that could develop into a potential skin infection. However, increased blood sugar levels force the yeast to feast on the excess sugar and start a surface infection. Since diabetes already affects the body’s ability to heal wounds properly, an infection can further trigger complications that become difficult to manage. Women with diabetes are also at an increased risk of urinary tract infections, among other skin disorders. Any such flare-ups are indicative of type 2 diabetes.

Mouth dryness
The body processes more fluids, which can cause the mouth to dry as excess fluids are drained out of the system. Frequent urination and excess water consumption can affect the fluid and electrolyte balance triggering such symptoms. Also, only drinking water alone cannot manage dehydration. Fresh fruit juices that contain essential vitamins and nutrients should also be included to ensure the kidneys are not overcompensating during the filtering process. While dry mouth is one of the early symptoms, it may not necessarily be an aggressive indicator of type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss
Unexplained weight loss despite no changes in daily nutrition is also one of the glaring signs of developing type 2 diabetes. It is a common symptom, even if hunger pangs lead to an increase in appetite. Weight loss is also not necessarily linked to the quantity of food consumed. Diabetes triggers an abnormal increase or decrease in blood sugar levels leading to changes in the metabolism. A faster metabolism will process out more foods and trigger rapid weight loss. It could also indicate underlying conditions that trigger diabetes as a side effect.

Changes in mood
Another key sign to look out for is mood swings. Studies indicate that abnormal blood sugar levels can trigger anxiety, worry, and irritability among people in the initial stages of diabetes. Though it is not one of the glaring factors, it could indicate type 2 diabetes in particular, especially when other signs and symptoms are ruled out.

If the symptoms persist or flare up unexpectedly, it is advisable to consult with a general physician and understand the possible avenues to overcome such discomforts. Early diagnosis of diabetes can translate into better remedies and symptom management for those who might already be suffering from other health complications.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Natural and Home Remedies for Multiple Sclerosis

The brain and central nervous system (CNS) control many essential body functions. Multiple sclerosis is a disorder that attacks the CNS, disrupting communication between the nerves. It results in problems with physical movement, pain in various body parts, and trouble thinking clearly. While several treatments help control these symptoms, patients may also consider following suitable natural and home remedies to manage their condition better after consulting with a health expert. Ginger Besides adding flavor to the food, ginger root can be used as a remedy for several ailments, thanks to its potent healing properties. The rhizome of ginger has beneficial compounds with anti-inflammatory benefits that help curb the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It can be consumed in a dried, fresh, or powdered form to lower inflammation in the spinal cord or brain. Green tea Green tea has plenty of healthy antioxidants. A specific compound in it may improve the cells in the brain and benefit the immune system. But, its ingredients may help curb the symptoms of multiple sclerosis only if one drinks the tea in tiny quantities. Green tea's implementation as a remedy is still being studied for conclusive results. Ginkgo biloba This herb is used as a natural remedy to treat several ailments that affect the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis. Consuming ginkgo extract is known to improve one's cognitive ability, reduce problems with vision, curb dizziness and vertigo, and offer relief from pain in the legs. However, the herb must be used with caution as it can cause side effects. Chamomile The chamomile plant has been used as a treatment for several health conditions for centuries. It is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which may benefit people with this nervous system disorder. The herb helps relax the muscles and ease stress by reducing inflammation caused by the disease. It also calms the mind, helping improve one's sleep cycle. The most popular way to reap the benefits of chamomile is to drink chamomile tea. Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a popular home remedy for multiple sclerosis. The process utilizes various methods to improve the disorder's symptoms, such as water walking, whirlpool baths, mineral water baths, and immersion in water at different temperatures. Interestingly, hot or cold compresses, steam inhalation, and ice massages are also forms of hydrotherapy. Patients who use this home treatment may notice an improvement in their balance, body coordination, and muscle flexibility. Staying hydrated Dehydration is a significant contributing factor to cognitive decline and fatigue. Therefore, it is not surprising that patients affected by multiple sclerosis are advised to drink sufficient water throughout the day. By staying hydrated, an individual can keep their body cool and reduce specific symptoms of the disease, like headaches. Moreover, drinking water may help improve brain function, heighten energy levels, and relieve constipation. Besides staying hydrated, one should use cooling vests or scarves to cope with the symptoms, especially in hot weather. Regular exercise People with mild or moderate multiple sclerosis may feel like staying in bed all day. However, they must put in a conscious effort and indulge in exercises at home to improve their physical strength. Aerobic exercises increase one's balance and body strength and help control bowel movements. Wall squats, sit-to-stand exercises, and leg extensions improve lower body strength. Using exercise machines, bands, and weights can help multiple muscle groups. But it is imperative to practice these exercises after consultation with a healthcare professional to avoid injury and other complications. Rest A person with this disorder may find their symptoms aggravating if they do not get adequate rest. To fight the disease better, patients must get sufficient and quality sleep daily. However, good sleep can be hard to come by as multiple sclerosis often leads to sleep disorders. To ensure a seamless sleep cycle, an individual should cut down on their regular caffeine intake and wake up and go to bed at a set time each day to reset their circadian rhythm. Making the bedroom cozier and more peaceful is also known to induce sleep. If nothing helps, those with sleep disorders might need to tackle the problem with the help of treatment. Stress-relieving techniques Research indicates that dealing with multiple sclerosis and other chronic health conditions may lead to stress, which can, in turn, worsen the symptoms. So, controlling stress levels is crucial. A few techniques to help alleviate stress include exercising, deep breathing, and learning to be mindful. Yoga combines factors like light exercises, physical movements, and controlled breathing to help individuals clear their minds and curb stress. Other simple techniques to do away with stress include drawing, painting, and reading a book. These activities not only help relax the mind but also improve focus and cognitive function. Nutritious meals Our food plan can have a significant impact on our immune system, which can, in turn, affect our overall health. So, to ensure good health, patients should choose foods that can help fight diseases and manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Veggies like tomatoes, spinach, and kale and fruits like cherries, strawberries, and oranges are known to nourish the body with antioxidants and phytochemicals. Fish, flax seeds, and walnuts can boost omega-3 fatty acids intake. Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to curb fatigue, inflammation, depression, cognitive impairment, and pain. While adding these foods to the meal plan, one must steer clear of processed meats, trans fats, and excess sugar, as these can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications. While these natural and home remedies can help individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, patients must follow them correctly for the best results. One must also be persistent, as it can take time to notice the benefits of these alternative treatments.

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