Diabetes Symptoms | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

What are Borderline Diabetes Symptoms?

Borderline diabetes, also known as pre-diabetes is a condition that typically develops before progressing to full-blown type 2 diabetes. Also known as glucose intolerance or impaired fasting glucose, it means that although you have higher than normal blood glucose levels, they are not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Overview

If you have borderline diabetes, the pancreas still produces adequate insulin in response to carbohydrates you’ve ingested. However, the amount of insulin produced is still less effective at getting rid of sugar from your bloodstream, so blood sugar levels remain higher than normal. This condition is commonly known as insulin resistance.

If you’ve been diagnosed with borderline diabetes, it’s important to understand that you are not alone. A 2015 study showed that 1 in 3 American adults had the condition. That’s about 84.1 million Americans.

Having borderline diabetes does not necessarily mean you’ll develop diabetes. It’s simply a warning of what could happen in the future. However, people with borderline diabetes have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to people with normal blood glucose levels. The risk increases if they don’t make healthy lifestyle changes to their activity habits and diet.

What are the symptoms of borderline diabetes?

Borderline diabetes does not typically have any clear tell-tale signs or symptoms. However, one possible sign is darkened skin or some parts of the body such as the neck, knuckles, elbows, and knees.

Some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that the condition has progressed from borderline diabetes to type 2 diabetes may include:

Excess hunger
Blurred vision
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Increased thirst

When should you see a doctor?

It is extremely important to see a doctor if have any concerns about diabetes if you’ve noticed any signs or symptoms of type 2 diabetes or have any risk factors for the condition.

What are the causes of prediabetes?

Although the exact cause of borderline diabetes isn’t known, factors such as genetics and family history play a significant role. Other important factors include excess belly fat, being overweight, and failure to engage in regular physical activity.

However, it’s clear that people with borderline diabetes don’t process blood glucose properly anymore. This results in the accumulation of sugar in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed and used by cells in tissues for energy.

Glucose in our bodies comes from the food we eat. When food is ingested and digested, glucose enters the bloodstream. However, cells require a hormone known as insulin in order to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Insulin is produced by a gland called the pancreas which sends insulin to the bloodstream once the food is ingested. Insulin enables cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, hence lowering the amount of glucose in the blood. When blood sugar levels start to drop, secretion of insulin into the bloodstream is gradually reduced.

For people with borderline diabetes, this process is impaired. Cells may become resistant to insulin or the pancreas may not produce enough insulin. Therefore, instead of acting as fuel for the body, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.

Prediabetes risk factors

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes share the same risk factors. These include:

Waist size: If you have a large waist size, it could be a sign of insulin resistance. Men with a waist size of more than 40 inches and women with a waist size of more than 35 inches have a higher risk of insulin resistance.
Weight: obesity or being overweight is one of the main risk factors for prediabetes. Having a large amount of fatty tissue, especially between and inside the skin and muscle around your abdomen, increases the risk of your cells becoming resistant to insulin.
Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of borderline diabetes. Regular physical activity uses up blood sugar for energy, helps you control your body weight, and makes the cells use insulin more effectively.
Diet: Eating processed meat, red meat, and consuming sugar-sweetened drinks, is associated with a higher risk of borderline diabetes. A diet high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and nuts is associated with a significantly lower risk of borderline diabetes.
Age: Diabetes and prediabetes can occur at any age. However, people aged 45 and lower are at a higher risk of prediabetes.

Ethnicity or race: Studies show that certain people, including Hispanic, Black, Asian American, and American Indians are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes

Family History: People who have a sibling or parent with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of prediabetes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: Women suffering from this condition, which is often characterized by obesity, excessive hair growth, and irregular menstrual cycles, have an increased risk of prediabetes.
Gestational diabetes: In case you had gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant), you and your child have a higher risk of developing prediabetes. If you’ve had diabetes while pregnant, it is extremely important to be screened for prediabetes at least once every two to three years.
Obstructive sleep apnea: If you suffer from this condition that disrupts normal sleep repeatedly, you have a higher risk of developing insulin resistance.
Tobacco smoke: Smoking increases your risk of carrying more weight around the belly as well as your risk of developing insulin resistance.

Other conditions commonly associated with borderline diabetes include:

High levels of triglycerides
Low levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol)
High blood pressure

These conditions are commonly associated with prediabetes, especially when they occur with being overweight or obesity.

Read more here about recognizing diabetes symptoms!

The bottom-line

79 million people in the United States have pre-diabetes and many people will develop type two diabetes because of their lack of knowledge. Much of this could be stopped if people knew what to look out for and would talk to their doctor.

Once you have noticed symptoms of prediabetes, you can talk to your doctor and see how to reverse it. A borderline diabetes diet may bring you back to normal levels and keep you from getting type 2 diabetes.

If you have borderline diabetes, the damage of diabetes, especially to your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels, may have already started. Nevertheless, the good news is that progression to type 2 diabetes can be prevented or significantly delayed.

There are two tests that the doctor may give you if diabetes or pre-diabetes is suspected. The fasting glucose test and glucose tolerance test are used to determine if you have prediabetes.

Engaging in regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet can help lower your blood sugar level back to within the normal range.

Diabetes Symptoms: Learn to Spot the Symptoms of Diabetes Early

If you listen to your body, you may be able to detect early symptoms of diabetes and are more likely to reverse the disease before it becomes too serious. Remember that diabetes mellitus type 2 is almost always a preventable disease. You may never experience the symptoms of type 2 diabetes – if you are willing and ready to make a firm commitment to a healthy life today!

Types of diabetes:

There are several types of diabetes and most are preventable. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is not definitively known causes and/or treatment. This is also called insulin-dependent diabetes and is characterized by a complete lack of pancreatic function. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common type, usually can be prevented through changes in dietary habits and levels of exercise.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of cases of diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that women develop during the later stages of pregnancy. The label is reserved for women who have never before exhibited symptoms of diabetes.

Almost always disappear completely after delivery and ‘very useful during pregnancy – again with healthy eating habits and exercise daily. The symptoms of diabetes:

Please note the following symptoms of diabetes and consult your doctor if you think you are at risk:

frequent thirst,
excessive hunger,
loss weight,
wounds that heal slowly,
drowsiness,
difficulty waking,
tiredness,
weakness,
irritability,
dry skin and itching,
velvety skin in the neck or armpits.

What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is caused in most cases by poor food choices, improper diet, and sedentary lifestyle. We need to eat nutritious foods in healthy portions and we have to exercise every day if we want to avoid the development and symptoms of diabetes.

There is simply no other way. Learn new ways of perceiving the same food consumed and physical activity on a new meaning to your life. His day to be much more fun and meaningful reduction in their propensity to develop all diseases – not only diabetes mellitus type 2.

Diabetes research today shows that over 100 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. These are the people at the highest risk of developing type II diabetes. If you are among them, you need to take immediate action and reassess your habits regarding diet and exercise.

The prevention of type 2 diabetes:

You can prevent diabetes mellitus type 2, with a commitment to positive lifestyle changes like the following:

start concentrating on eating foods that are mostly water like fruits, vegetables, and legumes,
eat 5 or 6 small meals on a given day and not just one or two large meals,
eat your meals at the same time each day,
remove fast food and processed foods from your life.

Furthermore, no bleached food, microwave food, or fatty foods, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, avoid foods high in sodium, turn and run from trans fats; Drink plenty of water each day, exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day.

Learn how to avoid the development of symptoms of diabetes today and commit to a healthy lifestyle! You and your loved ones will be much happier for it.

What foods should I include in my diet?

Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms

If you happen to be a diabetic or know someone who is, recognizing what diabetic symptoms are, is very important. This also applies to you if you have a strong family history of diabetes – as you will want to be aware of symptoms if and when you develop the disease too.

Type 2 diabetes usually starts out as a silent disease. Most people with diabetes are unaware they have it. They may dismiss their symptoms –

fatigue,
lethargy,
poor vision,
irritability,
reduced libido,
passing urine more frequently or having to get out of bed at night to go to the toilet – as part of getting older or other problems.

Symptoms of Early Onset Diabetes

Most people who are diagnosed with diabetes have probably already had it for five to ten years. An early symptom of diabetes is that the person may be experiencing episodes of hypoglycemia. With this symptom, the person will suffer tremors, sweating, dizziness, and hunger.

People with symptoms of diabetes-related high blood sugar often have a general feeling of malaise, weight loss, and nausea. You may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. When these symptoms occur, the blood sugar is often above 300 mg/dl, but can be as high as 600 milligrams per deciliter. Glucose greater than 600 milligrams per deciliter can cause an altered sense of consciousness and coma.

People with type I diabetes symptoms are a bit different from diabetes type 2. These guys have some of the symptoms of diabetes type II, but it can get much more serious symptoms such as diabetic ketoacidosis. This occurs when products of metabolism called ketones accumulate in the body. This causes stomach pain, loss of consciousness, and generalized coma, which can be fatal. Type I diabetics may also have symptoms of hypoglycemia if they take too much insulin.

Diabetics may develop symptoms of diabetes, although they have moderate control. Diabetics are at risk of losing their nerve function in the nerves of the legs, a condition called peripheral neuropathy.

This results in an inability to feel things with their feet. diabetic foot ulcers may develop as a result of poor nerve and circulatory function.

People with diabetes can develop diabetic symptoms of poor visibility. This is because untreated diabetes causes changes in blood vessels of the eyes for vision is poor. The condition is called diabetic retinopathy and can be treated with laser treatments to the retina.

Kidney disease is another symptom of diabetes. This typically occurs when diabetes is not well treated. You may or may not have real symptoms such as fluid retention, but the evidence shows that the kidneys fail. This can lead to the need of a kidney transplant or dialysis if symptoms are severe.

The cardiovascular system may play a role in diabetes. Peripheral vascular disease (or poor circulation in the legs), is a symptom of diabetes. This can lead to cold feet or foot ulcers in diabetics. The heart can also participate. Diabetes is a risk factor for suffering a heart attack.

This is the main reason for the early care of diabetes and control is important for diabetics at all stages of the disease. In fact, most of the complications of diabetes can be improved by early detection.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

An Overview of the Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is a condition that typically occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. Although hyperglycemia usually affects diabetics, it can also occur in people without diabetes or other underlying conditions.

Some of the main factors that can cause hyperglycemia in people with diabetes include illness, changes in physical activity and diet, not taking enough or skipping glucose-lowering drugs, or non-diabetes medication. Hyperglycemia needs immediate medical attention because if uncontrolled, it can easily lead to a wide range of life-threatening complications, including diabetes coma and complications affecting your kidneys, heart, nerves, and eyes.

There are two main kinds of hyperglycemia:

After-meal (Postprandial) hyperglycemia where the blood glucose is greater than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.
Fasting hyperglycemia where the blood sugar is greater than 130 mg/dL after not drinking or eating for at least eight hours.

People living with type 1 diabetes are generally susceptible to ketoacidosis (a build-up of acids in the blood). Therefore, for people with type 1 diabetes and people who are at risk of it, hyperglycemia can lead to a deadly condition in which the body is unable to process glucose, known as HHNS (hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome). People with HHNS have darker pee and tend to urinate less often as they become more dehydrated.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia

Most people rarely notice any hyperglycemia symptoms until their blood sugar levels are significantly elevated – typically to levels above 180 mg/dL or 10 mmol/L. Hyperglycemia symptoms usually develop gradually over several days or even weeks and symptoms become worse the longer blood glucose levels stay high. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that some people who have type 2 diabetes for extended periods of time may not experience any symptoms despite having elevated blood glucose levels.

Early signs of hyperglycemia

It is essential to identify the early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia in order to seek prompt medical attention. Some of the early signs and symptoms include:

Headache
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Increased thirst
Blurred vision

Later Signs of hyperglycemia

Trouble concentrating
Weight loss
Tingling or numbness in the feet
Blood glucose level higher than 180mg/dL

If untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to the buildup of ketones (toxic acids) in the urine and blood (ketoacidosis). Later signs and symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Confusion
Dry mouth
Fruity-smelling breath
Abdominal pain
General weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Coma

Untreated hyperglycemia can cause other serious complications such as:

Impaired vision
Skin and vaginal infections
Slow-healing sores and cuts
Damage to the kidneys, blood vessels, and eyes
Intestinal problems including diarrhea and chronic constipation
Nerve damage leading to insensitive, cold, or painful feet, erectile dysfunction, or loss of hair.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

During digestion, our bodies break down carbs from food – such as pasta, rice, and bread – into sugar molecules such as glucose. Glucose is normally absorbed directly into the bloodstream after eating; however, it requires insulin’s assistance to be absorbed by cells in tissues.

When your blood glucose level is high, the pancreas is stimulated to release insulin which is essential for the optimum functioning of cells.

Extra glucose is usually stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen. Due to this process, the amount of glucose in the bloodstream is lowered hence preventing it from rising to dangerously high levels.

Conditions such as diabetes lower the effects of insulin on the body. Consequently, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and may reach high levels (hyperglycemia) if left untreated.

Risk factors

Some of the factors that can contribute to dangerously high blood sugar levels include:

Being inactive
Not using prescribed medication such as insulin
Having an infection or illness
Use of certain medications, including steroids
Using expired insulin
Having surgery or being injured
Emotional stress

Learn how to manage your diabetes HERE!

When should you see your doctor?

Seek medical assistance immediate medical attention if:
Your blood sugar levels are consistently above 13.3 mmol/L (240 mg/dL) and you have toxic acids (ketones) in your urine
You’re sick and are unable to keep any fluids or food down
You’re experiencing ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, but you are able to tolerate some drinks or foods
You have a persistent fever
You’re having trouble keeping your blood sugar levels within the recommended range

Maintaining your blood glucose levels within the recommended range plays a major role in preventing most diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage (diabetic neuropathy), cardiovascular disease, neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney failure, joint and bone problems, gum and teeth infections, and cataracts.

So what is considered high blood sugar?

Childhood Diabetes Syndrome

A 2017 report by the National Institutes of Health shows that 208,000 kids under the age of 20 years had received a diagnosis of diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) in the U.S.

Each year, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes increases by 4.8% and type 1 diabetes by 1.8%. From 2011 to 2012, 5,300 people aged 10 to 19 years were diagnosed with diabetes and 17,900 children under 20 years received a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Children who develop diabetes have a greater risk of developing other health challenges later in life. Therefore, being able to identify the signs and symptoms of childhood diabetes syndrome helps children get early diagnosis, which gives them a chance of better outcome.

How does Diabetes affect Children?

Childhood diabetes syndrome affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin. Despite being different diseases, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes affect the body’s ability to produce or use insulin. Rates of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are on the rise.

Juvenile diabetes, also known as type 1 diabetes in children, is caused by the pancreas’ inability to produce insulin. As a result, cells are unable to absorb glucose from the blood, and this can result in high blood sugar levels.

Treatment:

Lifelong blood glucose monitoring and insulin use
Exercise and diet management to stabilize blood sugar levels

Although type 1 diabetes typically appears during childhood, it can occur at any time. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is typically less common among kids, but it can occur when the body does not produce enough insulin or when insulin does not work properly. As a result, glucose can gradually accumulate in the child’s bloodstream.

How Can you Manage Childhood Diabetes Syndrome?

Maintaining a healthy weight
Changes in diet (adopt a healthy diet specifically tailored for the individual)
More exercise
Sometimes the child will need medication

The chance of developing type 2 diabetes usually increases as we get older, but kids and adolescents can also get it.

What are Symptoms of Childhood Diabetes Syndrome?

Type 1 Diabetes

The most common signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes among kids (children and adolescents) include:

Hunger
Increased urination and thirst
Blurred vision
Fruity smell on the breath
Irritability
Weight loss
Girls may develop yeast infection.

Type 2 Diabetes

Frequent urination, especially at night
Tiredness
Increased thirst
Slow healing of wounds and cuts
Itching around the genitals (might be caused by yeast infection)
Blurred vision
Unexplained weight loss

Other signs and symptoms of insulin resistance may include:

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

Type 1 diabetes symptoms in children usually develop very fast over a few weeks. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may develop more slowly and getting a diagnosis can take months or years. Therefore, it’s important to take your child to your healthcare provider if you notice any of the above signs and symptoms.

Warning Signs of Childhood Diabetes Syndrome.

A 2012 study by Diabetes U.K. shows that only 9% of parents were able to recognize the 4 main type 1 diabetes symptoms in children. This figure increased to 14% by 2013. The inability to identify symptoms of childhood diabetes is one of the main reasons why many children only receive a diagnosis when their symptoms are severe, or even fatal.

Don’t miss the symptoms

Although children with diabetes typically experience 4 main symptoms, many children and adolescents will only have one or two symptoms. In some cases, children will show no symptoms. Moreover, if your child suddenly becomes more tired or thirsty, or urinates more frequently, you may not consider childhood diabetes syndrome a possibility. Since diabetes is typically less common among kids, some doctors may also attribute these symptoms to other illnesses. Therefore, it’s very important for parents and doctors alike to be aware of the possible symptoms of diabetes in children in order to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Complications of Childhood Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)

This is one of the most serious complications of undiagnosed or untreated type 1 diabetes. Encouraging your child to make healthful choices reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the leading cause of death in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

If the body is unable to use glucose for energy due to low levels of insulin, the body starts breaking down fat for energy. This can lead to the production of ketones, which are toxic at elevated levels. A high level of ketones causes the body to become acidic leading to DKA.

A research in 2008 found that diabetic ketoacidosis was more common among children and teenagers with an incorrect and hence delayed type 1 diabetes diagnosis. In rare cases, undiagnosed or untreated type 2 diabetes can also cause DKA.

Type 2 diabetes

Younger people with type 2 diabetes have a greater chance of complication such as:

Kidney and eye disease
High cholesterol levels and high blood pressure
Blood vessel disease

Type 2 diabetes in kids almost always occurs with obesity, which has been linked to these higher risks. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes is very crucial.

More information on FAQ on diabetes HERE!

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