Type ll diabetes usually begins gradually and progresses slowly. Symptoms in adults include the following:
Excessive thirst.
Increased urination.
Fatigue.
Blurred vision.
Weight loss.
In women, vaginal yeast infections or fungal infections under the breasts or in the groin.
Severe gum problems.
Itching.
Impotence in men.
Unusual sensations, such as tingling or burning, in the extremities.
Symptoms in children are often different:
Most children are obese or overweight.
Increased urination is mild or even absent.
Many develop a skin problem called acanthosis, which is characterized by velvety, dark colored patches of skin.
WHAT ARE THE EMERGENCY CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE ll DIABETES?
Hypoglycemia
People with diabetes who need to intensively control glucose levels are at risk for hypoglycemia (also called insulin shock). The condition develops if blood glucose levels fall below normal and may also be caused by insufficient intake of food , excess exercise , or alcohol intake. Usually the condition is manageable, but occasionally, it can be severe or even life threatening, particularly if the patient fails to recognize the symptoms. Mild hypoglycemia is common among people with type ll diabetes, but severe episodes are rare, even among those who are taking insulin. Still, all patients who are intensively controlling glucose levels should be aware of warning symptoms.
Risk Factors for Severe Hypoglycemia. People at highest risk for severe hypoglycemia are those who intensively control blood glucose and also have one or more of the following conditions:
Long-term diabetes.
Less education on their condition.
A previous history of severe hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia unawareness. This is a condition in which people become insensitive to hypoglycemic symptoms. It affects about 25% of those who use insulin, nearly always type 1 diabetics. In such cases, hypoglycemia appears suddenly, without warning, and can escalate to a severe level. Even a single recent episode of hypoglycemia may make it more difficult to detect the next episode. With vigilant monitoring and by rigorously avoiding low blood glucose levels, such patients can often regain the ability to sense the symptoms. It is important to note that even very careful testing may fail to detect a problem, particularly one that occurs during sleep.
Symptoms. Mild symptoms usually occur at moderately low and easily correctable levels of blood glucose. They include the following:
Sweating.
Trembling.
Hunger.
Rapid heartbeat.
Severely low blood glucose levels can precipitate neurologic symptoms:
Confusion.
Weakness.
Disorientation.
Combativeness.
In rare and worst cases, coma, seizure, and death.
Preventive Measures. The following tips may help avoid hypoglycemia or prepare for attacks.
Patients are at highest risk for hypoglycemia at night. Bedtime snacks may be helpful.
Patients who intensively control their blood sugar should monitor blood levels as often as possible, four times or more per day. This is particularly important for patients with hypoglycemia unawareness.
In adults, it is also particularly critical to monitor blood glucose levels before driving, when hypoglycemia can be very hazardous.
Diabetic patients on therapies that put them at risk for hypoglycemia should always carry hard candy, juice, sugar packets, or commercially available glucose substitutes designed for diabetic individuals.
Family and friends should be aware of the symptoms and be prepared:
If the patient is helpless (but not unconscious), family or friends should administer three to five pieces of hard candy, two to three packets of sugar, half a cup (four ounces) of fruit juice, or a commercially-available glucose solution for diabetics.
If there is inadequate response within 15 minutes, additional oral sugar should be provided or the patient should receive emergency medical treatment including the intravenous administration of glucose.
Family members and friends can learn to inject glucagon, a hormone, which, in contrast to insulin, raises blood glucose.
This Information was obtained from the American Diabetes Association
Patients should discuss all options with their physicians !
