Know the signs of diabetes in men to determine if you need to speak to your doctor.
With the American Diabetes Association estimating 29 million people having diabetes in the United States, it is common for people to want to learn more about the disease. And while the proportion of patients with diabetes is slightly higher when it comes to females, there are approximately 13 million men with diabetes as well. The disease in men can come in the form of Type 1 or Type 2, and it is important for people to know the signs of diabetes in men and the difference in disease types.
Type 1 diabetes can also be called juvenile-onset or insulin dependent diabetes. In this type of the disease, the patient’s body destroys the cells that release insulin, inhibiting all insulin production. Because of this, the patients will need to be on insulin from an outside source. Type 2, sometimes called adult-onset or non-insulin dependent), most often appears in adulthood (although the disease is rising in young adults and children). With this form, the body stops the insulin it is making from working properly.
Men with diabetes of either type may experience some of the following symptoms. It is important to be aware of these symptoms in order to speak to your physician early on, as there are many people living with diabetes today who aren’t even aware of it. Have you experienced any of these top 11 signs of diabetes in men?
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue, weakness
- Blurry vision
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
- Increased hunger, even after eating
- Dry mouth
- Feeling nauseous
- Urinating frequently
- Getting frequent urinary tract infections
- Ongoing infections
- Vomiting
Now that you are more aware of diabetes symptoms in men, we will take a closer look the causes behind the most common type of diabetes, Type 2. In fact, it is estimated that Type 2 diabetes affects up to 90 percent of the 13 million men living with the disease.
Type 2 diabetes isn’t linked to one specific cause, and it is not understood as well as Type 1. It is believed to be caused by multiple factors, which may include health, ethnicity, weight, genetics, lifestyle, environment, etc. When you hear about men with diabetes (Type 2), you may hear a lot about weight. While not everyone with Type 2 is overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight are linked to this type of diabetes. Because of this, anyone diagnosed with this form of the disease should consider beginning an exercise program (under the supervision of their physician). Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on men with diabetes by helping the body better utilize insulin and possibly lowering blood glucose levels. Educating yourself about healthy diet choices, and learning how to limit certain foods high in carbohydrates and sugar is also wise when living with diabetes.
To learn more about the signs of diabetes in men, and how diet and/or exercise is beneficial for anyone living with the disease, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com
