November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month. Considering such complications from the condition such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, it is worth noting the impacts.
My father and paternal grandmother were diabetic. So was my uncle. Uncle Joe lost a leg because of diabetes. Complications from diabetes ultimately killed him. None of my siblings have been diagnosed, but we do realize the risks of our family history.
Like high blood pressure, individuals with type 2 diabetes may not show symptoms. What symptoms are present may be easily dismissed as being harmless. Symptoms to investigate include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Cuts that heal slowly
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
Be aware too that your pet can develop diabetes and experience similar symptoms.
Do yourself a favor. Assess your risk. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor. A simple test can determine if you have diabetes. Given the consequences, it’s not a game you want to play
