Are you a diabetic person who is ignored? Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. But due to its silent evolution, many individuals simply do not know that they are sick. Are there characteristic symptoms of the disease? When questioned, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, reveals several, including one in particular who must alert you.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is characterized by an excess of blood sugar, linked either to insufficient production of insulin, or to improper use of this essential hormone. Indeed, insulin acts as a “key” allowing glucose to pass blood to cells to produce energy.
When this malfunction mechanism, sugar accumulates in the blood. And it can go unnoticed …
“”Type 2 diabetes can evolve for years without causing obvious symptoms. Many people ignore that they are sick, and the diagnosis is often made by chance during a blood test carried out for another reason “.
This silent progression can unfortunately lead to severe complications if the disease remains not detected.
What are the signs that should alert you?
Some discreet signs may go unnoticed. But if you notice that you are constantly tired, that you often feel intensely accompanied by frequent urination or that you lose weight in an unintentionally, you must consult a doctor.
“”Other signs, such as a slow healing of injuries, vision disorders or even tingling in your hands or feet must also alert you “ Note Dr. Kierzek.
Before adding: “A rare but very characteristic sign also deserves special attention: a fruity breath, called “reinette apple ‘or’ nail polish ‘”
What is the link between fruity breath and diabetes?
This specific odor is often linked to acidocetosis, a serious complication which can occur in type 1 diabetes or in severe forms of type 2. It appears when cells, deprived of glucose, draw their energy from fat. Their degradation then produces ketone bodies, acidic substances that give breath this fruity perfume. They can also make urine sweet and fragrant.
Dr. Kierzek warns. “”It is important not to confuse this smell with a classic bad breath, generally caused by dental or digestive problems. The smell of reinette apple is distinct and must alert, especially when it is accompanied by intense thirst, abundant urine, great fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain or confusion. In this context, it is a medical emergency “.
How to react, if you notice this symptom?
Faced with this alert signal, “It is essential to consult your doctor quickly, to take a blood test including fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin, and to monitor the appearance of other associated symptoms. Early screening makes it possible to limit complications, adapt your lifestyle and effectively treat diabetes from the start“Concludes the doctor.