What Are Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 05th, 2009

Type 2 diabetes can cause a lot of health complications if it goes on unchecked. Without treatment, type 2 diabetes can be fatal due to the complications that arise from it. So a speedy diagnosis is of utmost importance here. However, sometimes the patient is ignorant of the symptoms of diabetes. Hence they go on without check ups until things get really bad for them. This should be avoided at all costs. This is why it is important to know the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

The possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes caused by high blood sugar level are as follows: -

* Increased hunger (especially just after you have finished eating).

* Increased thirst.

* Mouth drying out inexplicably.

* Urination occurring frequently.

* Unexplained weight loss, even though you have a good appetite and are feeling hungry as you normally do.

* Fatigue. You feel tired very easily, you feel weak.

* Your vision keeps blurring.

* You get unexplained headaches.

* You lose consciousness (this a rare thing to happen but it does happen).

If you think that you have any of these symptoms, you must contact your health care professional at once. This is a disease that is not to be trifled with. You will be putting yourself at a great amount of risk if you choose to ignore the symptoms.

If you are unsure about your symptoms, you should still consult your health care specialist. He will be able to explain to you the exact nature of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

The main problem with type 2 diabetes is that the symptoms either do not show up at all or they develop so gradually that the person cannot tell that it is happening. This is why it is said that many people who have type 2 diabetes do not even know they have it. This is what makes it all the more important to go in for a check up even if all you have are faint suspicions. In most cases, diabetes is only diagnosed when the symptoms show themselves fully. By this time, the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage. So catching it earlier on would be a huge advantage in your favor.

Here are the other symptoms that people suffering from type 2 diabetes might develop: -

* Cuts and sores take longer to heal.

* Person develops itchy skin, especially in the area surrounding the genitals.

* Yeast infections become more frequent. This is actually a direct result of the higher blood sugar level - yeast love sugar.

* Weight gain (yes, it contradicts the earlier list but it happens).

* Acanthosis nigricans - the skin around the neck, armpit and groin turns dark and velvety.

* Hand and feet feel numb and tingle sometimes.

* Your vision is worsened, meaning you have trouble seeing things.

* Impotency

So if you have one or more of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to get checked for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Natural Cure

Posted by admin in Prescription Diabetes Drugs on August 05th, 2009

Sugar in the form of glucose is what the human body uses to fuel itself. Glucose enters the cells and keeps them energized. A hormone called Insulin controls this entry. The increased levels of sugar or glucose in the body causes type 2 Diabetes. This happens because the body is either incapable of producing Insulin on its own or the cells are immune to the effects of Insulin. High blood sugar levels can severely damage the eyes, the kidneys and also the nerves.

There are a lot of medicines out there that try to cure diabetes by artificially tweaking the level of Insulin within the body. Some also work by making the cells more receptive to Insulin. However, these medicines also have side effects. So some people prefer natural cures to these medicines.

There are several natural substances that have been known to help people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. These can be very helpful on their own or when combined with other medications. But be sure to mention all of them to your doctor. This is important because some herbs can react badly with other medications and vice-versa. This article discusses a few of the popular natural cures for type 2 diabetes and how they work.

Ginseng Studies have shown that the North American Ginseng (there are many types of Ginseng) is helpful in controlling blood sugar level. It helps maintain a healthy level of glycosylated hemoglobin, which in turn is responsible for monitoring the blood glucose level within the body.

Chromium Chromium is actually an essential trace mineral and it helps with carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It also helps the cells to respond to insulin. However, the various studies on Chromium’s effect on type 2 diabetes patients have been inconclusive. Positive effects have been seen in some cases and in other cases there have been no changes at all.

Magnesium This is another trace mineral and it is needed for major bodily functions. It is also known to help with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Some researchers have suggested that low levels of Magnesium can make matters worse for diabetics. However, since this a trace mineral too much of it can be harmful.

Green leafy vegetables are rich in Magnesium and there are also dietary supplements that contain it.

Cinnamon This has also been tested for effects on people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Lengthy studies have shown significant statistical improvements in fasting blood glucose levels after using controlled doses of cinnamon.

Aloe Vera Gel Aloe is known more for being a good home remedy for skin problems and burns. But recent studies in Japan show that it might also be beneficial for people suffering from Type 2 diabetics. Apparently, some of the constituents of Aloe Vera (phytosterols) can help lower human blood glucose levels.

Zinc Zinc is directly related to the production of insulin and hence is considered as beneficial for type 2 diabetes. Some studies have shown that type 2 diabetes patients suffer lowered zinc levels.

Neuropathy, or nerve disease, is a word those with type 2 diabetes become familiar with.? It is one of the long-term complications that comes about in diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are not controlled.??

Now let’s look at just what this is and how it affects your body, including your sexual function.?

What has been found is the part of the nerve, the axon, which connects to other nerves or muscles, degenerates.? It is thought this is due to:

  • a cut-off in the blood supply to the nerve or, in some cases
  • the result of chemical toxins produced by the metabolism of too much sugar

Diabetic neuropathy results when blood glucose levels are high for long periods.? Usually, when blood sugars are brought down to normal, the signs and symptoms improve and hopefully the nerve issue disappears.

There are several disorders of the nervous system, today let’s look at those affecting the autonomic nerves.? These control muscles we do not have to think about, for example those involved in:

  • the digestive system, passing urine and emptying your bladder, sexual function,
  • your heart and blood vessels, your sweat glands and eyes.

The function of these are under the control of nerves from our brain and diabetic neuropathy affects them all.

One of the disorders of autonomic nerves includes sexual dysfunction:

  • 50% of males with diabetes have erectile dysfunction
  • 30% of females have problems with vaginal lubrication for intercourse

For the male :? Erectile dysfunction is determined by:

  • how good you control your blood sugar levels
  • how long you have had diabetes
  • a positive relationship with your partner
  • drugs and alcohol may also prevent erection
  • the state of your mind

And for the ladies :? The problems can be difficult for a woman also:

  • you may have a dry mouth and vagina because of your high blood sugars
  • when your diabetes is not controlled it also affects your menstrual cycle
  • yeast infections (thrush) may also develop

As with all problems associated with type 2 diabetes, control of your blood sugar levels prevents or slows down many of these complications.