The best way to determine if you have type 1 diabetes is to take a blood test. There are different methods, such as an A1C test, a random blood sugar test, or a fasting blood sugar test. All are effective, and your doctor can help you determine what's right for you. People who have type 1 diabetes may also have nausea, vomiting, or stomach aches.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear within a few weeks or months and can be serious. Type 1 diabetes usually starts when you're a child, teenager, or young adult, but it can appear at any age. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually take several years to appear. Some people don't notice any symptoms at all.
Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you're an adult, although more and more children and teens are developing it. Because symptoms are difficult to detect, it's important to know the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Be sure to visit your doctor if you have any of them. The symptoms you experience won't exactly match those of another person.
However, the most common diabetes symptoms experienced by many people with diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, feeling tired, and weight loss. To learn more about the common symptoms of diabetes and their causes, watch our video. Although most people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood and early adulthood, the symptoms are the same at any age. Adults with type 1 diabetes may not recognize symptoms of diabetes as quickly as children, which could cause their diagnosis and treatment to be delayed.
The tell-tale signs of type 2 diabetes, such as frequent urination and excessive thirst, are often subtle, especially at first. However, ignoring them can cause worse health problems in the future. Women living with type 2 diabetes need more control. According to the CDC, diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease approximately four times in women, compared to twice in men.
Women are also at greater risk of other diabetes-related complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and depression. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Most of it boils down to controlling your weight and exercising regularly. Losing just 5% of your current weight can help reverse prediabetes, which occurs when you have higher blood sugar levels but aren't high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
It also helps reduce the consumption of processed foods, alcohol, sugary drinks and trans fats. Instead, opt for whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, water, and sugar-free beverages. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes aren't always obvious, and the condition may already be damaging nerves, kidneys, and retinas. Learn about the warning signs and find out how to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
