Type 2 Diabetes isn't Serious - Right?

If you have type 2 diabetes and think you are not at risk for the 'common' diabetes problems - think again.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The classic symptoms of diabetes (type 1 and type 2) are the following:

1. fatigue;


2. frequent urination;


3. unusual thirst; and


4. unexplained weight loss.

In type 1 diabetes, the symptoms usually progress quickly and are often dramatic. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms are slower to progress. However, it is important to note that many people who have type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. These people may find out they have type 2 diabetes when they go to the doctor for another, unrelated problem.

The Health Risks of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition. High blood glucose levels over a long period of time can cause:

1. blindness;


2. hart disease;


3. reduced blood supply to the limbs, leading to amputation;


4. nerve damage;


5. erectile dysfunction; and


6. stroke.

Although there is no cure for diabetes, the condition can be managed by medication and/or insulin, and by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

There is no single cause of type 2 diabetes but some factors can put you at greater risk. They include:

1. being age 40 or over;


2. being overweight (especially with abdominal obesity);


3. having a family member who has diabetes;


4. having had gestational diabetes;


5. having given birth to a baby that weighed more than 4 kg (9 lb) at birth;


6. high blood pressure;


7. high cholesterol or other fats in the blood; or


8. member of a high-risk ethnic group.
   

Source: Health Canada - Type 2 Diabetes

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