Sufferers of type 2 diabetes at times walk a fine line between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia simply because their bodies cannot process blood sugars as effectively and efficiently as non-diabetics. However, don’t despair about this because stable blood sugar levels can be achieved although, it must be emphasized, it will still be relatively higher when compared with non-diabetic levels.

Thus, you must consult with your health care provider to determine the target blood glucose range appropriate for you.

Three of the most basic steps to help you include:

1: With the aid of your personal glucose meter, regular blood sugar level testing at times agreed with your health care provider, will help you determine the pattern with which your levels rise and fall. Of course your activities, foods consumed and time of day will make a difference. Don’t forget issues like stress, depression, pain, poor mobility and illness come into play as well.

When you have determined your personal pattern your diabetes management plans will be easier to customize to your needs. In other words, you can then make the necessary changes to your lifestyle to stabilize your blood sugars.

2: Various conditions, like type 2 diabetes, send you warning signals when something is not quite right. You must learn to listen to your “body talk” … your body will always show you but you must be aware of the symptoms of high or low blood sugars. For examples an unquenchable thirst, frequent urination and extreme tiredness are all signs your levels are high. If you are taking insulin and maybe missed a meal, you would have signs of a “hypo” and they could include pale sweaty skin, palpitations, confusion, slurred speech or maybe a headache.

Once you know your signs and symptoms take immediate action, i.e. monitor your blood sugar levels, inject insulin, take glucose tablets, and/or eat food. Don’t wait for your symptoms to go away as your capacity to remedy the situation may fade quickly.

3: Even when you give your type 2 diabetes your full attention, blood sugar levels can be unpredictable. So it is really important for you to know the level you should be aiming for. Most people who have diabetes should aim for:

• an HbA1c of less than 7 per cent
• a pre-meal blood glucose level of 4 to 6mmol/l (72 to 108 mg/dl) or 3.5 to 6mmol/l (63 to 108 mg/dl) if you are not taking insulin or diabetic medications
• a level of 4 to 8 mmol/l (72 to 144 mg/dl) measured two hours following your meal.

Don’t forget to share with your family and friends the steps you would like them to take if you are unable to help yourself. Post your health care provider’s telephone number in conspicuous places so they can contact him when emergency situations occur.

By keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range you can slash your risk of developing complications and live a long and healthy life even with type 2 diabetes.

Although diabetes mellitus is not fully understood, it is accepted there are several main subtypes that share the common feature of elevated blood sugar levels.? If you have any of the following symptoms check with your health care provider, as if these signs are not given the correct attention serious complications will occur:

1.? Type 1 Diabetes:

• frequent urination, (including at night-time)
• increased thirst
• increased hunger
• weight loss (body fat and muscle)
• fatigue
• blurring of vision
• difficulty concentrating
• confusion.

This subtype used to just be diagnosed in children, however, many cases are now found in adults.? It is also the less common form of diabetes affecting approximately 10 to 15 per cent of all cases.? It is also classed as being an auto-immune diseased with a sudden onset.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

• fatigue
• blurred vision
• frequent urination
• slow healing of skin, (scratches, wounds)
• urinary infections
• genital itching
• gum disease
• numbness in your feet or legs
• heart disease
• obesity

This is the most common form and is linked to a genetic history of type 2, obesity and lack of physical activity.? It could be known as the silent killer, as often it is not detected until the appearance of a serious complication such as a heart attack, kidney disease, blindness or numbness in your feet.

The signs and symptoms of these two types are similar; the major differences are:

• the age of onset?
• body weight
• glucose level
• severity of onset

3.? Gestational Diabetes:

• affects women who have glucose metabolism issues during pregnancy
• occurs in about 5 per cent of all pregnancies
• is a temporary form occurring due to hormonal changes that prevent the insulin normally produced by the body, doing its job
• normal-insulin function is usually restored after delivery
• without lifestyle changes, 50 per cent go on to develop type 2 within ten years

There is no way to prevent the onset of type 1.? Type 2 diabetes is a different story; by developing a new lifelong style of eating for better health combined with physical activity, significant amounts of weight can be lost and blood sugar levels decreased.

Diabetes is a disease that affects many Americans today, and it is important that it is diagnosed as early as possible. The earlier the disease is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to treat. For this reason, it is important that you know the diabetes symptoms that occur. This way if you are dealing with any of these symptoms, you can quickly get the help that you need to combat this deadly disease.

Extreme Thirst

One of the main symptoms of diabetes that you may experience is extreme thirst. This is a common symptom, whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. When this occurs, you may feel like you are not able to drink enough, even though you are drinking more water than you usually do. The body takes more water from the blood when you have diabetes and it means you can quickly become dehydrated, leading to the feeling that you have to drink a lot more.

Frequent Urination

Along with the extreme thirst, you will find frequent urination is another of the diabetes symptoms that you may experience. When you have too much glucose within the blood stream, then you can end up going to the bathroom more than usual. All the glucose often can’t be dealt with by the kidneys, so they take out more water to dilute it. This keeps you going to the bathroom on a regular basis.

Fatigue or Weakness

Fatigue or weakness, or both, can end up being a symptom of diabetes as well. Since the glucose isn’t being used by your body’s cells, you don’t get the energy that your body needs. The glucose just stays within the blood. This makes your cells think they are starved for energy and you begin to feel very tired.

Numbness and Tingling in Extremities

Usually this is a symptom that happens in people that have been dealing with diabetes for some time. Over time all the glucose in the blood stream can cause damage to the nervous system. This especially affects the extremities, such as the feet, legs, and the hands. You may experience tingling in these areas or numbness. When you better control your blood sugar, such as with a good diabetes diet, you may see these symptoms improve.

These are just a few of the diabetes symptoms that can occur. There are several other symptoms that can occur as well, such as bruising, taking a long time to heal, a lot of infections, or itchy and dry skin. Blurry vision can even be a symptom as well. Going on a good diabetes diet, exercising, and taking any medications provided by your physician can help to alleviate many of these symptoms.