Detecting Diabetes

When it comes to diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent. In fact, the CDC reports that 90 to 95% of people with diabetes in the United States have type 2. This form of diabetes develops when the pancreas doesn’t make or use insulin efficiently in the body. In result, the body struggles to move energy from food out of the bloodstream and into the cells. This causes high blood sugar levels, but can also cause damage to the kidneys, legs, feet, eye, heart and nerves. If type 2 diabetes goes unchecked, it can even lead to complete kidney failure, blindness or stroke.

Learning and recognizing the warning signs of type 2 diabetes is critical in order to manage or prevent the detrimental setbacks of this condition. In most cases, patients develop prediabetes before they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, prediabetes is typically only found with blood testing. This form of diabetes most often develops later in life, or after the age of 45. Therefore, it becomes very important to know the early warning signs of type 2 diabetes so that you can seek proper treatment before irreversible threats occur.

Top Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Every patient is different, and only a blood test can accurately determine your diagnosis. However, the most prevalent symptoms of type 2 diabetes include the following:

• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Feeling very hungry
• Fatigue
• Losing weight without trying
• Sores that won’t heal quickly
• Dry, itchy skin
• Feelings of pins and needles in your feet
• Numbness in your feet
• Blurry eyesight

See a Physician Who Can Diagnose and Manage Your Diabetes

If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes, don’t wait to get tested. The sooner you can get diagnosed, the sooner you can get successful treatment, which can involve a healthy diet, regular exercise, medication and insulin therapy. At the office of Brent Michael, MD, we can not only evaluate your symptoms and test for diabetes, but we also help each patient understand their unique risk factors for this condition. With proper care, support and management, you can live a healthy and happy life despite your type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Call our Santa Monica clinic today to learn more.