Diabetes type 2 - the warning signs

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a life changing condition. If not managed properly, it will cause a premature death and loss of quality of life. Properly managing it requires paying attention to what is eaten and how the energy is spent. If properly managed, diabetes doesn't pose as big a threat, but it still must be accounted for whenever undergoing medical procedures.

Below are some warning signs that I managed to ignore on my way to being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If you suspect you are seeing these signs in yourself or someone you love, please consult your doctor.

Early warning signs (before manifestations appear in your body)

1. You qualify for the "overweight and sedentary" description.
2. You know you are eating too much and not "spending" the calories you eat.
3. Flavor or quantity governs your eating decisions, not nutrition..
4. You never try to stay within the nutritional label / daily requirements and  know that you are probably over in fats/salt/calories if you really counted.
5. Frequently over-eating your peers.

Early or starting diabetes

1. Changing skin in legs, feet, arms, neck - scaly, darker, just less healthy looking, or small injuries.
2. Thirst and consequently frequent urination.
3. Worsening vision.
4. Waking up in the middle of the night with cramps or pain in feet.
5. Gingivitis.
6. Urine is bubbly.
7. Reaching the bathroom to pee barely in time.
8. You actually start losing weight even though you have not changed your habits.
9. Your stool isn't a daily solid log, but softer, and abundant following your over-eating.

 I was once told that i was pre-diabetic and I could avoid being diabetic by doing diet and exercise, which I did for 3 months and then went back to my old ways. If you have been told you are pre-diabetic, you need to change your life this very instant - once your body gives up and you become diabetic, there's no going back. I'll put all my tips in this blog but if you need to start or have questions please don't hesitate to reach out to me on twitter.

The symptoms above are a short list. I don't claim to possess more knowledge than you would find anywhere else on the internet; I only aim to communicate my experience in case it can help others. The best test is seeing your doctor, before having breakfast, and getting glucose readings in blood, urine, and A1C.