Early onset diabetes is a condition that affects over twenty four million people according to the National Diabetes Association.The early onset of diabetes is a condition that is caused by the pancreas’ inability to produce insulin and requires regular injections of insulin in order to function. It is sometimes referred to as Type 1 or juvenile diabetes as the disease often occurs in childhood. It is not uncommon, however, for individuals over the age of twenty-one to develop diabetes early onset due to pancreatic damage, environmental elements, and genetics. People who have a history of alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders, or have had certain surgeries are also prone to developing this disease.
A second form of diabetes, early onset gestational diabetes, is similar to Type 1 diabetes, but affects women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Due to a woman’s hormonal shifts, their body’s ability to manufacture and regulate insulin is compromised. This condition can be severe and could cause other complications if left untreated.It usually disappears after delivery, but it is likely to recur in subsequent pregnancies.
The third type of diabetes, early onset adult diabetes, or Type 2 Diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes and it can occur at any age. In this situation, the pancreas may initially produce insulin, but the body is unable to use it, so the pancreas eventually stops making insulin altogether. This form of diabetes is caused by a multitude of factors including obesity, history of gestational diabetes, and lack of exercise. People that suffer from it typically have diets high in sugar, Trans fats, and simple carbohydrates.
Early Onset Diabetes Symptoms
Symptoms of early onset diabetes can be life threatening. Early symptoms of adult onset diabetes can mimic other health problems. It is vital to seek professional help to have these matters checked out. The first sign is high blood sugar level, but unless a person is specifically looking for a diabetes diagnosis, it will most likely be missed. Ailments that can easily be recognized may include excessive thirst, hunger, and urination, which are not caused by other factors such as excessive drinking or extreme physical activity. Additionally, some individuals may report sudden unexplained weight loss or constant fatigue even after adequate rest. These symptoms manifest in each type of diabetes and are among the most common.
Other symptoms that could signal diabetes, but may not be experienced as widely include dry skin, blurry vision, and slow healing wounds, numbness, and recurrent yeast infections. Left untreated these issues could cause larger problems. For example, a person with undiagnosed diabetes and blurry vision could develop macular degeneration, which quickly robs them of their sight, leaving them blind. Once a person has this condition, it is irreversible. It is, therefore, best to recognize the symptoms of early onset diabetes and treat them quickly.
Prevention of Early Onset Diabetes Symptoms
Receiving a diagnosis of early onset diabetes can be devastating and will require an individual to make major life changes. It is in one’s best interests to make minor adjustments before the disease controls one’s life.Doing cardiovascular exercise on a daily basis will help a person maintain a normal weight range while eliminating stress and other negative influences such as alcohol and tobacco will greatly reduce the occurrence of early onset diabetes. Also, maintaining a healthful diet full of fiber, and rid of sugar and trans fats will prove beneficial to anyone’s lifestyle.
