by Heather Dickson

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: March 30, 2009

A LOOK AT ADULT DIABETES

Adult Diabetes is on the rise due to the increase in the aging population as well as factors of unhealthy diet choices and lack of exercise. While there is not currently a cure for diabetes, in many this life-threatening disease can be prevented or even turned around.

Diabetes falls into a few different types:

Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood when it is determined the body is producing little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are required to live.

Adult Diabetes, also known as Type-2 Diabetes, is a life-changing disease but it does not have to be the end of a normal life if caught early and managed closely. In Type-2 Diabetes, the body is either not producing enough insulin, or is unable to process the insulin naturally produced by the pancreas. Blood sugar (or blood glucose) levels then elevate and this is the key factor in diagnosing Type-2 Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes is the third type of diabetes, and occurs in pregnant women who do not have Type-1 or Type-2 Diabetes. Screenings for gestational diabetes are a routine part of prenatal care and will be closely managed if testing is positive. Gestational diabetes tends to disappear after the mother gives birth, but she should still be monitored with a yearly screening. After being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the mother becomes more at risk of developing Type-2 diabetes later in life.

RISK FACTORS

The American College of Endocrinology has established that people with the following risk factors for Type-2 Diabetes should be screened regularly:

* You are an adult over 45 years of age (recommend screening ever 2-3 years)
* You are an adult over 30 years old with any of the following factors:
* Diabetes in an immediate family member (parent, sibling)
* Obese and/or have a sedentary lifestyle
* Are of Latin, African, Asian, Native American, Alaskan or Pacific Island descent
* Have hypertension or high HDL cholesterol levels
* Have a prior screening showing glucose intolerance or high fasting glucose
* Have previously been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
* Are a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome

SYMPTOMS

Recognizing the symptoms of Diabetes can be difficult, as they can sometimes hide within other problems. Some of the symptoms to look for include:

* Increased thirst
* Increased urination
* Wounds or infections that do not heal quickly
* Increased appetite
* Blurred vision
* Fatigue
* Impotence (in men)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, there are very

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