Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses in the country, specifically Type 2 diabetes. However, many people in San Dimas and throughout Los Angeles County do not realize that this disease is preventable. The onset of Type 2 diabetes is slow, leaving many people to believe that there are not symptoms associated with it. However, there are warning signs that occur in people who are prediabetic. These warning signs may be subtle, but when combined with other risk factors, it can definitely signal that Type 2 diabetes is on the way. By paying attention to these early signs of diabetes, patients may be able to delay or even prevent the onset of the disease through lifestyle changes and dietary changes.
What are the Early Signs of Diabetes?
People who are considered prediabetic may be considered overweight, and they may have a particularly difficult time losing weight — even if all they need to drop is a few pounds. In general, most people should be able to lose weight if they cut back on their calories and increase their physical activities. A person who is prediabetic may notice that they do not lose weight, even when they exercise portion control and start working out more. This is because the amount of insulin in their body is sending mixed messages to the cells throughout their system.
People should pay attention to their body shape and size, especially if they cannot seem to lose weight easily. People who are considered more apple-shaped, rather than pear-shaped, may be at a higher risk for developing diabetes later in life. When a person gains weight in their mid-section, particularly around their belly and thighs, it is a sign that they are becoming resistant to insulin. This can be a signal that the body may be suffering from diabetes or will suffer from diabetes in the future.
High blood pressure is also an early sign of diabetes. High blood pressure can cause a variety of health complications in any given person, but the impact it has on an individual can vary based on other physical health factors. For instance, a person who has high blood pressure and also is overweight may be at a higher risk for developing diabetes down the road. Many people who suffer from high blood pressure are most concerned about their heart health, but they also should focus on the fact that they may be prediabetic.
Diabetes can be a difficult disease to manage, and many people do not like the lifestyle changes that they have to adapt to once they have been diagnosed. In order to prevent the onset of this disease, patients should talk with their general surgeon about the early warning signs that they are experiencing as well as genetic and environmental factors that may increase their risk. A medical expert can work with a patient in order to help them make the necessary changes ahead of time, and hopefully prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
