Warning Sign and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Its frightening to think you can have diabetes and not even know it -- but its more common than you might think. In fact, its estimated that 40 percent ofAmerican adults who have diabetes, dont know it. This statistic is especially alarming because undiagnosed and untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputations.

This serious statistic results from a new study by researchers with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Almost all those who were suffering with the undiagnosed disease had type 2 diabetes. This type usually manifests later in life, or in obese people.

Type 2 diabetes is widespread in seniors. Did you know for example that it affects nearly one-third of people 65 and older? Researchers also discovered 30 percent of American adults have pre-diabetes. This means their blood sugar is not yet in the diabetes range but still too high to be healthy. Unfortunately, even pre-diabetes leads to an increased chance of having heart attack or stroke.

If youre wondering whether you might be among those undiagnosed with type 2 diabetes here are the symptoms:
Needing to urinate more often
Feeling very thirsty
Feeling very hungry or tired
Losing weight.

But even if you dont have any of these symptoms you can still have pre-diabetes. Thats why its important to get your blood sugar levels tested. In fact, medical experts insist everyone over the age of 45 should get a test. You should definitely speak with your doctor about having the test if you have any of the risk factors for either diabetes or pre-diabetes.