Diabetes Type2 is different from Type1, the difference lies in the fact that the patient with Type2 diabetes does produce insulin in his pancreas, but it is not capable of removing glucose from the blood stream. Type 1 diabetic patients do not produce insulin at all in their pancreas.
Overweight, lack of exercise, hereditary factors, these are conditions that trigger diabetes Type 2. Until recently it was only found in adults but with the growing numbers of obese children and teenagers these numbers are rapidly changing. Early detection is very important to allow the person to live a normal life. Advance diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes are extremely dangerous and can be deadly.
Some of the initial symptoms and reasons why a person should be tested for diabetes Type 2 are excessive hunger, thirst and constant urination. Being hungry all day and night, even right after eating is not normal. In a diabetic patient this happens because the body is not processing the glucose in the blood stream. This glucose is supposed to be transformed into energy to feed the body. Without transformation there is no food so the body keeps asking for more.
Thirst and urination come from the need the body has to eliminate the excessive glucose in the blood which has not been processed. The kidneys and liver work over time trying to reduce and get rid of the glucose. The kidneys need all the water to clean the blood and get rid of the glucose therefore the need to urinate constantly.
Since the glucose is not being processed, the body is not receiving fuel to produce energy. Fatigue sets in and the diabetic does not feel like doing anything all day. He may feel so tired that he prefers to remain in bed all day. The lack of food for the muscles makes the body consume existing body fat and muscle tissue thus producing weight loss. There is no logical explanation for this weight loss, the patient is eating normally and is not on a diet. The body is using its reserves to remain alive and functional.
Blurred vision, dry skin, and the inability to heal wounds are other symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. The excess glucose in the blood does not allow the white blood cells to heal wounds properly, many times small wounds and scratches will infect and take a long time to heal. The skin turns dry and paper-like because the body is directing all the water in its cells towards the elimination of the excess glucose in the blood stream. There is not enough water to feed other tissues and since the kidneys are working over time it does not matter how much water you drink, it will all be sent to help the kidneys and liver.
The possibility of eyesight loss is very real in an unattended uncontrolled case of diabetes. When the patient’s vision starts to blur for no apparent reason proper diabetic testing is in order. Numbness of hands and feet is another symptom that requires attention and testing. On time detection of diabetes will allow the patient to live a normal life. He or she will probably take medication during the rest of their natural life but there will be no restrictions to their activities.