Diabetes seems to be a common health condition in recent years. Lots of people know at least one other person who has diabetes. But where is the diabetes coming from? Type 1 diabetes is something that a person is born with. Type 2 diabetes, however, is something that develops over time, and very often it begins as insulin resistance. Sometimes the body gives warning signals. If you keep careful track of how your body typically functions, then you are the first to know when something is amiss.
If you recognize the symptoms of insulin resistance, you will be in a unique, powerful position to work with your doctor and possibly prevent the insulin resistance from developing into full blown Type 2 diabetes. Do you know what symptoms or warning signals are exhibited by the body when it enters into insulin resistance? If not, now is a good time to learn.
First, let’s look at what insulin does inside your body. It is a hormone which is created in the pancreas. Every cell in the body uses sugar for fuel, and the cells get that sugar from the foods you eat. But in order for each cell to be able to access the sugar and use it, it must first accept and make use of the hormone insulin. Think of your cell as a locked door. In order for the sugar to get through the door, the door must first be unlocked by the hormone insulin. Does that make sense? When the body begins to resist using the insulin which is made by the pancreas, it is called “insulin resistance.”
There are not many symptoms which are outwardly displayed by the body once it has begun resisting insulin. They are mild enough to be easily blamed on other things. You may experience lethargy, which is different that fatigue. Fatigue is categorized by feeling bone tired, or extremely exhausted. Lethargy is slightly different, but only by a little bit. Instead of crushing exhaustion which might typically occur after strenuous physical activity, it is a distinct and profound lack of energy in the first place. You might lay around like a lump with no energy, but it’s not because you did a lot of activities. You should take notice of lethargy because you will not have any energy to do much of anything at all. In addition you may experience mental confusion, also called brain fog.
It is very easy to blame confusion on lack of sleep, and to blame lack of energy as a lingering symptom of recent illness. Both of these symptoms can be brushed aside as part of the aging process, but it is important to not let pride get in the way. If it has been a few weeks and you have noticed a change, it is worth a trip to your doctor to have some blood tests for peace of mind. Have you been feeling “off” lately? Does diabetes affect any of your family members? If so, it is time for you to pick up the phone and make an appointment. Your good health is in your hands. What are you waiting for?