The Figures

If you do have the condition however, it means that the cells in your body are not reacting properly to the work of insulin which is supposed to open up the cells to glucose. Without glucose in your cells you will have no clear source of energy.

Diabetes Type 2 is more common than type 1 diabetes. It is estimated that at least 90% of diabetics belong to the type 2 category. The sad fact though is that more than 6% of diabetics are not aware that they have the condition. The lack of awareness may be due to a dismissal of seemingly harmless type 2 diabetes symptoms or a total lack of warning signs.

Different Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 but it may be more difficult to handle because it involves the inability of the pancreas to perform its job of producing insulin. Despite the difference in cause however, both types of diabetes share the same symptoms. A diabetic might begin to feel frequently tired, thirsty and may have occasionally blurry vision and wounds that do not heal quickly.

The difference in the set of symptoms in types 1 and 2 is the onset. A type 1 diabetes symptom can develop rapidly and worsen in the span of a few weeks. Even with the rapid symptom development however, cell damage may already have been occurring for some time before type 1 diabetes is finally discovered. A type 2 diabetes symptom on the other hand is not as obvious and as bad as a type 1 symptom.

Effects of No Symptoms

Non-detection of type 2 diabetes may be dangerous and risky. The key to effectively managing this chronic disease is early detection. Once you fail to detect a type 2 diabetes symptom however, you can suffer from complications that are even more difficult to reverse. Some diabetics only realize that they have type 2 diabetes because of complications like retinopathy, heart ailments, kidney problems and nerve deaths. A complication is therefore their only type 2 diabetes symptom.

Uncommon Risk Factors

A family history of diabetes and one's weight should be enough to warn you about the condition. You should however also consider yourself at high risk of developing diabetes if you are over 45 years old, had a baby over 9 pounds and had a history of gestational diabetes or pre diabetes. For undetermined reasons, individuals who are Asian, African, Hispanic and American are at greater risk of developing diabetes.

What Has to be Done

Seek the professional advise of your doctor immediately. There are however basic things you should remember on your own. You should monitor your glucose levels, take your medication as prescribed, follow your diet and exercise plans and watch and manage your weight.