Diabetes is a condition where the body fails to produce or use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts glucose or blood sugar into energy.  There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, where the individual cannot produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes, where the individual does produce insulin by the body does not respond to it. If left untreated, both types of diabetes can damage your kidneys, eyes, and cardiovascular system.   In severe cases, diabetes can lead to strokes, blindness, kidney failures, and amputations. But it’s never too late to prevent these from happening if you catch the disorder early enough. As soon as you see these earliest warning signs of diabetes, get yourself examined by a doctor and take the necessary preventive measures.

Constant thirst and frequent urination – You go to the bathroom and urinate more frequently than normal. Frequent urination dehydrates your body, which makes you unquenchably thirsty.  Frequent urination and constant thirst are the most common early warning signs of diabetes.

Fatigue – Pre-diabetics and diabetics often feel exhausted because the cells and the brain does not receive enough fuel, even though there is a lot of glucose and insulin in the bloodstream.

Blurred vision – Did you know that the eye lens shrinks and gets distorted as your glucose levels rise and fall? This is why blurred vision is another common early warning sign of diabetes.  The human eye is unable to adjust quickly to the changes occurring in glucose levels.

Frequent infections and slow healing of wounds – White blood cells – the blood cells that protect the body from pathogens and infection – don’t work as efficiently when blood sugar levels are too high. When white blood cells fail to work, bacteria and pathogens thrive, making you prone to infection. Observe any wounds you might have and see how long it takes for them to heal.  If a shallow scratch is still raw after a week, it is likely that you have diabetes or pre-diabetes.  Women also tend to experience yeast infections as an early warning sign of diabetes.

Tingling and numbness in feet or legs – This symptom of diabetes is caused by a complication known as neuropathy, or nerve damage. Neuropathy takes years to develop, and this symptom indicates that you have had undiagnosed diabetes for a long time. 

Stroke and heart disease – For individuals over 45, these dangerous early warning signs often appear before they get diagnosed by diabetes.

The earliest warning signs of diabetes can also be symptoms of an entirely different health problem.  If you experience any of the symptoms above, it would be wise to get checked up by a doctor to find out what is causing these problems.

Whereas kidney damage is generally the cause of high blood pressure in type 1 diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance are the factors associated with hypertension in type 2 diabetes.  Obesity is common in both type 2 diabetes and hypertension and clinical testing indicates that obesity is the one common element linking insulin, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, studies have found a stronger association between hypertension and insulin resistance in thin patients as well as overweight people with type 2 diabetes.

The development of hypertension in patients with diabetes is particularly harmful, as it is responsible for up to 75% of diabetic cardiovascular complications, including coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. Hypertension is also thought to play a significant role in the development of retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney disease), and possibly neuropathy (nerve damage).

The gas nitric oxide also plays a predominant role in hypertension.  It can be produced in the body, affecting the smooth muscle cells that line blood vessels by keeping them relaxed and flexible. It may also help prevent blood clotting. Low levels of nitric oxide have been observed in people with high blood pressure (particularly in African Americans) and may be a significant factor in essential hypertension.

Clinical testing and research has explored the benefits of lowering blood pressure in individuals with diabetes, such as a reduction in cardiovascular disease, stroke, or nephropathy events. In older individuals with type 2 diabetes, females in particular, the incidence of heart failure is rapidly increasing, and hypertension is often the primary cause.  Additionally, aside from diabetes, hypertension is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).  Coexisting hypertension and diabetes is a common clinical scenario that can ignite a vicious cycle of rising blood pressure, increasing renal damage, and increased cardiovascular morbidity.  Treatment of hypertension often requires multiple drugs to effectively minimize and prevent complications of diabetes. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the impact of blood pressure control on micro vascular and macro vascular health may be equal to or even greater than that of strict glycemic control.

Those who have type 2 diabetes must also be aware of secondary hypertension, which has recognizable causes that are usually treatable or reversible.  There are a number of medical conditions that can cause secondary high blood pressure.  The most common of which is kidney disease, although it occurs more often in older diabetics.  Sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing briefly ceases repeatedly during sleep, is also highly associated with hypertension. A weak but still higher than normal association with high blood pressure has even been observed in those who snore or have mild sleep apnea. The link between sleep apnea and hypertension is thought to be largely due to obesity, but major studies are finding a higher rate of hypertension in people with sleep apnea regardless of their weight. Treating sleep apnea with a device known as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may have modest benefits on blood pressure as well.  Additionally, some medical conditions may contribute to temporary hypertension such as cirrhosis, pregnancy, and Cushing’s disease.

To help temporarily aid blood-pressure, people with type 2 diabetes can attain certain prescription and over-the-counter medication.  This includes cough medicines that contain pseudo ephedrine, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.  Other causes of secondary hypertension in type 2 diabetics include stress and vigorous exercise, as well as caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol, all of which could increase the risk of stroke if not limited.

Most people are generally raised on three square meals per day with a snack in between; however, it is recommended for type 2 diabetics to eat six smaller meals throughout the day, allowing room for snacks that fit within their daily allotted amount of food.  Many physicians recommend that their diabetic patients speak with a nutritionist to make healthy choices in regards to what specific foods should be consumed, and he or she will assist you in planning a low carbohydrate diet, as well as monitoring your blood sugar to help regulate the disease.

Sugar, starch, and dietary fiber are the three main types of carbohydrates. Sugar and starch are what increases the glucose in the blood, and dietary fiber is a necessity for our bodies. Grains, beans, fruits, and dairy products all have carbohydrates, so be sure to consult your physician to discuss the right amount of carbohydrates for you. A low carbohydrate diet is important since carbohydrates can increase the glucose levels in the blood. The normal blood sugar range runs between 70 to 140 mg/dl. The glucose levels assume a higher reading just after consuming a meal, and go down as time passes. Diet control is essential to managing these levels and to live healthy with type 2 diabetes.

The following is a list of recommended food for type 2 diabetics:
Vegetables with higher fiber content are recommended, especially when eaten raw, since fiber content does not allow fats and blood glucose to deposit in the blood flow. The micro level fiber molecules flush out the saturated fats and glycogenic bonds as waste products from the body and consequently lower blood sugar levels.

Beans, particularly kidney beans and soy beans, are rich in protein and low in starch which aids in reducing diabetes urine sugar.

Onions, raw or cooked, is another healthy choice since they reduce the sugar levels in blood.  The more onions are eaten, the faster it helps lower blood sugar.

Fruits that contain nuts, such as guava and red grapes, are good sources for controlling blood sugar. The amino acids in fruits help lowers blood glucose.

Meats, which include beef, pork, and poultry, are essential to eating healthy and managing blood sugar levels.  Seafood is especially healthy and should be eaten often.

The following is a list of foods to avoid for type 2 diabetics:
Food with increased sodium salt will flag up your blood pressure and is relatively bad for your health. Instead, try to eat non-sodium or low sodium foods, making sure to avoid chips, crackers, canned foods like soups and sardines, and processed or preserved meat products.

Fats are highly harmful in causing cardiovascular diseases for diabetics. It is advised to consume low-fat food only, avoiding dairy products like cheese, butter cakes, and solid vegetable fats since all of these foods contain saturated fats. Chicken preparation with skin should also be avoided.
Butter and margarine should be replaced by canola or olive oil. Choose skimmed, low-fat, or non-fat milk, and yogurt instead of milk products with full cream.
Fried foods are prepared by being dipped in oil or butter which can add a harmful coating to your cardiovascular system.  Instead, prepare foods by either boiling or baking.

Sugars can increase blood sugar levels and should always be limited.  Avoid chocolate and cake or any other sweetened treats, as well as soft drinks and fruit juices as they contain high sugar content.