The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age and is common in the over 55 age group, an age when most have gained significant weight. This is the main reason type 2 was once known as Adult Onset Diabetes. However, these days diabetes is being diagnosed also in the younger age group, mainly due to the earlier onset of obesity.

Actually there is strong evidence which suggests type 2 diabetes can be prevented in people who are at risk, or in those who are showing early signs.

Those in the high risk category include:

• anyone over the age of 55 years
• anyone over 45 years with a weight problem, and/or high blood pressure
• anyone with a family history of diabetes
• any woman who had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy
• any woman with polycystic ovaries and a weight problem
• anyone from a high-risk ethnic group

Many years before the development of type 2 diabetes, people usually become overweight. This leads to insulin becoming less effective and then your body needs to make more and more insulin to control your blood glucose. After a while, the pancreas can no longer keep up and blood sugar levels start to rise. So maybe being overweight could be considered the first sign.

Early symptoms include:

• extreme tiredness, lack of energy
• needing to urinate more frequently, including during the night time
• passing a lot of urine at a time
• dry mouth and very thirsty
• dry skin
• blurred eyesight
• cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
• gum infections
• thrush, both oral and genital
• erectile dysfunction in men
• difficulty in concentrating
• numbness or tingling in your extremities

You usually have two or more of the above symptoms when your blood sugar levels are high.

Diagnosing what used to be called Adult Onset Diabetes is a simple procedure. Diabetes means high blood sugar and this is what is tested. Usually after you have not eaten for eight hours your blood sugars are tested, often early in the morning. Non diabetics would have a fasting level below 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l). A value over 126mg/dl (7 mmol/l) would indicate you have type 2 diabetes. Your health care provider may repeat the test to be sure. He will also follow up with an oral glucose tolerance test. A definite diagnosis is made when the glucose level is 200 mg/dl (11mmol/l) or higher two hours after starting this test.

• Step by Step Checklist If You've Just Been Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes!
• Low Blood Sugar Levels - Don't Panic!
• Diabetes Type 2 Management - Anti-Diabetic Drugs (Sulfonylureas and Biguanides)
• Supplements to Improve Blood Sugar Levels
• Diabetes Mellitus - How to Tell If You Have It and What to Do About It
• A Free Diabetes Diet Plan Can Help You Lose 30-50lbs!
• Children With Diabetes? The Symptoms and Possible Causes

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