Type 2 diabetes can go undetected for years, often as it people do not display the classic symptoms of thirst and urinating more often. But check for these signs that could indicate testing makes sense. Berlin (dpa) - You've got this persistent tingling sensation or numbness in your feet, so you go to a doctor and are probably surprised to learn you have diabetes. You shouldn't be, as it's not uncommon for this incurable, chronic, metabolic disease to cause health issues before it's detected, such as peripheral nerve damage or blurred vision due to damaged blood vessels in the eyes. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels due to insufficient production or function of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells to produce energy. There are two main types, type 2 being the most common. Mainly affecting adults, it's often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity. Type 1 diabetes, usually diagnosed in children and young adults, is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. The reasons are unknown, but genetic predisposition is thought to play a role. "Type 2 diabetes often develops very gradually," says Dr Jens Kröger, chairman of the advocacy group German Diabetes Aid. Once the threshold to diabetes has been crossed, blood sugar levels rise slowly and may cause no perceptible symptoms for months or even years. Type 1 diabetes is different. It proceeds "more dynamically," Kröger says, displaying classic diabetes symptoms in just weeks. They include extreme thirst, frequent urination, feeling tired and weak, increased susceptibility to infections, dry and itchy skin, losing weight without trying and impaired vision. "The body tries to flush out the excess sugar via the kidneys with urine, leading to a deficiency of fluid and electrolytes [minerals key to many bodily functions]," explains Kröger. What's more, the immune system is weakened, "as evidenced, for example, by wounds that don't heal as well." If you experience these symptoms, you should promptly seek clarification from a health-care professional, Kröger says, because "type 1 diabetes may be behind them. It can become life-threatening if you don't see a doctor in time" - namely if ketoacidosis develops. This condition occurs when the body begins to break down fat as fuel since it can't make sufficient insulin. It results in a build-up in the blood of acids, called ketones, one possible sign of which is having breath that smells fruity or like acetone (nail polish remover). In the case of type 2 diabetes, however, you can't count on your body to give you early warning signals. "About two-thirds of affected persons don't have the classic symptoms at all," says Kröger, an assessment shared by other experts. This is why it's important to have a fasting blood sugar test at your doctor's surgery, in which a blood sample is taken after you haven't eaten anything overnight. It will show whether you have diabetes or prediabetes, which typically develops five to seven months before diabetes itself. "You don't notice prediabetes," Kröger says, "and yet at this stage damage to your blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart may already have begun." So it's important to be screened and take action if you're diagnosed with prediabetes. Ideally, you'll be able to prevent its progression to full-blown diabetes, or at least delay it. Two ways to bring your blood sugar levels back to normal are regular physical activity and eating healthy foods - unfortunately, easier said than done, in part because GPs typically don't offer prediabetics structured consulting and training services. "They always say, 'Lose weight and get more exercise!' but offer little individualized help in implementing this advice," Kröger says. Lifestyle changes must ultimately fit the person and be implementable over the long term. As regards eating habits, the main thing is to avoid blood sugar spikes after meals. How? Germany's diabetes information portal has several suggestions: Dilute fruit juices and fizzy drinks with water, or switch to alternatives such as unsweetened tea. Eat carbohydrates together with proteins and fats - a slice of bread with lean ham or cheese won't raise your blood sugar level as much as a slice of bread with jam. And make sure to eat plenty of dietary fibre by frequently including vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole-grain products, nuts and seeds in your diet. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid mod nhr xxde ob arw (The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
