Susan Sorensen

November is National Diabetes Month. Many people are not aware of the common symptoms of diabetes, so this month let's go back to the basics. You need to be an informed consumer for both yourself and those that you care about.

To start, look at the health of your parents and siblings. If any of them have Type 2 diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing diabetes and you need to share that family history with your health care provider. Additionally, studies have shown that if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you have a 50-percent chance of developing diabetes later in life, so pay attention to your health now.

What are the textbook symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of?

Frequent urination, excessive thirst, lack of energy and changes in vision are four symptoms that commonly are reported but not always experienced.



Causes of symptoms

For clarification, let's discuss some of the physiology of these symptoms.

_ Since diabetes is an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood, our body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through the kidneys, which leads to frequent trips to the bathroom.

_ Because of the increased filtration through the kidneys with fluid loss, unquenchable thirst develops, which commonly is rationalized that "I am going to the bathroom all the time so of course I am thirsty!"

_ A third commonly overlooked symptom is a lack of energy. Feeling tired occurs when glucose is unable to get into the cells where it is transformed into energy. If each cell does not have a source of fuel, energy levels decrease.

_ A fourth red flag of diabetes that is less common is a change in vision. With elevated glucose levels, fluid retention changes the shape of the lens in your eye, which alters your vision.

So now that you are aware of the symptoms of diabetes, what is the next step? Contact your primary care provider to have your blood work checked and to share your concerns about the symptoms that you are experiencing.



Control blood glucose

According to the American Diabetes Association, a diagnosis of diabetes is made by having two fasting blood glucose tests of 126 mg/dl or higher.

Treatment for diabetes can change from diet-controlled to oral medication to insulin injections. Whatever method used, the treatment goal is to keep the glucose level within a healthy range. The ADA goal for fasting blood glucose is between 70-110 mg/dl, but your health care provider may set a different goal for you.

If blood tests confirm that you have diabetes, education is crucial to help you live a long and healthy life. For a start, you can look at the ADA Web site at www.diabetes.org.

In a perfect world, a copy of "Type 2 Diabetes: the First Year" by Gretchen Becker would be handed to every person as they are informed of their diagnosis of diabetes. Pacific Mist Books, 121 W. Washington St., Sequim, usually has a copy on the shelf or look in the local library.

Remember that knowledge is a powerful tool, so stay informed to protect your health.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and take time for a walk before enjoying your feast.

Susan Sorensen is a registered nurse who can be reached at www.starlady

diabetes.com.