Diabetes can be a frightening diagnosis to receive. Recognizing pre diabetes symptoms is important for early detection and the prevention of diabetes. There are several types of diabetes, but the symptoms for each type are fairly similar. The cause and treatment differ between types of diabetes.
Type I diabetes (insulin dependant or juvenile onset) occurs when the pancreas organ does not produce enough insulin to metabolize blood sugar. Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. The primary treatment for type I diabetes is regular insulin via injection.
Type II diabetes (insulin resistant or adult onset) occurs when the body becomes resistant to the insulin hormone, thus unable to utilize the insulin made by the body to metabolize blood sugar. Treatment for this condition usually includes diet modification, exercise and oral medication.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. This can be caused because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin to support mother and child. It can also be caused because the body has become temporarily resistant to insulin. Gestational diabetes is typically screened for and diagnosed around the 24th week of pregnancy. Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes do not have diabetes before becoming pregnant. The condition usually resolves itself after childbirth. Treatment for gestational diabetes can include a combination of diet, activity modification, blood sugar monitoring, oral medications, and insulin.
According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), the most common symptoms of pre diabetes can include a combination of frequent urination, excessive thirst, profuse sweating; and pungent and fruity smelling breath, urine or sweat. Other symptoms may include rapid pulse, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and becoming easily winded.
Pre Diabetes Symptoms in Women
Symptoms of pre diabetes in women are typically the same as the signs and symptoms in men and children. At times, women attribute these symptoms to other issues and choose not to get tested for diabetes because they can explain the symptoms away.
For instance, a pregnant woman might normally experience increased thirst, frequent urination, shortness of breath, difficulty catching her breath, increased sweating, increased heart rate and increased respirations. These symptoms can occur because of the placement of the baby, increased gestation, or weight gain.
Similarly, certain medications can cause some of these symptoms; as can menstruation, PMS, menopause, and pre menopause.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Hormone shifts of any type can cause some of these symptoms from time to time. If you are suffering from any or all of these symptoms, it is important to get screened for diabetes.
The early detection and treatment of diabetes are essential to maintain health and quality of life.
Pre Diabetes Symptoms in Children
Children suffer from the same signs and symptoms of pre diabetes as adults. However, children (especially younger children) do not communicate symptoms effectively. Most young children diagnosed with this disease end up having type I diabetes. However, increased body mass index (BMI) in children and youth is leading to an increased number of children with type II diabetes.
As parents, it is important to pay attention to any abnormal behaviors our children are exhibiting. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above in your child, contact your pediatrician to discuss symptoms and schedule a diabetes screening immediately.
Regardless of the type of diabetes or age of the diagnosed, it is essential to recognize the symptoms and get tested in the early stages of the disease. Early detection allows you and your care team to get diabetes under control before it can cause severe complications. People who control their diabetes live long and healthy lives.
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