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Adult diabetes or adult-onset diabetes is what is now called type
2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes today. Type 1, or
juvenile diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults.
In this type diabetes, the pancreas produces very little or no
insulin and injections are necessary.
Gestational diabetes occurs in women who are pregnant and is a
temporary condition. It should be noted, however, that women who
experienced gestational diabetes are at risk for type 2, or adult
diabetes when they are older.
The World Health Organization is calling today’s increase in the
diagnoses of diabetes a global epidemic. Not only is the number of
cases increasing, the age of the average patient is decreasing,
especially in developing countries.
Another concern with diabetes is that the symptoms are easy to
miss. Some of these symptoms are increased thirst, frequent
urination, dry mouth, fatigue, increased hunger, blurred vision and
headaches. One of the other symptoms is an unexplained weight loss.
Some of these symptoms seem vague and they naturally lead to one
another and that makes them difficult to recognize. For instance, if
you’re mouth is dry and you feel thirsty, you drink more and urinate
more frequently. You don’t necessarily link those altogether to come
up with diabetes.
Without treatment, adult diabetes can result in serious
complications. Heart disease is the most common; people with
diabetes have 2 times the chance of developing heart disease or
having a stroke. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a major
concern. Vision problems, impotence, kidney failure and diabetic
foot disease are some of the other possible complications.
Treatment for type 2 or adult diabetes will usually start with
lifestyle changes. Doctors work with dieticians to familiarize their
patients with the diabetic food pyramid. A person with diabetes
needs to eat healthy foods in appropriate portions and eat at
regularly scheduled times.
Along with these changes in diet, the patient needs to add
exercise to his daily routine. Sometimes these changes will be
enough to maintain safe glucose levels, if not, oral medications may
be prescribed.
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