Be on the Lookout for Type 2 Diabetes


Be on the Lookout for Type 2 Diabetes

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Warning signs of diabetes

Nearly 30 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes—and about 90-95% of those people have type 2 diabetes.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2? Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, and there is little that can be done to treat it, aside from diabetes management.

By contrast, type 2 diabetes is preventable. People who have been diagnosed with it can take certain steps to reduce their symptoms and regulate their blood sugar.

Diabetes can harm your body even when it doesn’t present with clear signs and symptoms, so pay attention to your body. If left untreated, diabetes can cause kidney and nerve damage, and even blindness. Catching the condition early can reduce the risk of associated health problems. Here are some possible warning signs:

  • Frequent urination and thirst
  • Feeling hungrier than usual
  • Losing weight for no reason
  • Low energy
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
  • Bruises or wounds that don’t heal
  • Cloudy eyesight

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented! And the same measures you take to prevent the disease can also help treat it. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Lose excess weight.
  • Eat less fat, especially saturated fat.
  • Eat plenty of fiber.
  • Reduce your intake of added sugars, including refined sugar.
  • Be active: just 30 minutes of movement five days a week can decrease your risk for type 2 diabetes significantly.

The choices you make each day can affect your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. You can work now to decrease your chances of getting this disease—and boost your overall health in the process.

For more information, visit www.diabetes.org.


Debi Conocenti has been keeping people fit and healthy for more than 20 years. A developer of corporate health, fitness, and wellness programs, she stays active with her two sons and English sheepdogs.

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions.


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