20 Commonly Asked Questions About Diabetes
Being diagnosed with diabetes, or even learning about your risk can be a confusing time. You may have a lot of questions that arise on how your life will be affected.
In this article, we will cover 20 of the most common questions asked about diabetes. If you have an emergency or serious concerns you should always contact medical providers for assistance.
1. Does diabetes make you tired?
Yes, diabetes can contribute to tiredness, but there are other factors involved, according to Healthline.
Fatigue is commonly reported by people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This is due to episodes of hypo or hyperglycemia, which are associated with feelings of fatigue. Another cause for fatigue though could be diabetes-related complications or other underlying conditions.
Depression, insomnia, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and other complications with diabetes can also contribute to fatigue. Medications used for treating diabetes could have fatigue as a side effect as well. If you are frequently experiencing fatigue, you should consult with your doctor to find the source of the issue.
2. Does diabetes cause weight gain?
People with diabetes can see weight gain due to several factors, according to Medical News Today.
Weight gain is a possible side effect of insulin therapy. In this case, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to stop your insulin treatment, just that you need to make different choices with diet and exercise among other lifestyle factors.
Other complications associated with diabetes can also cause weight gain, so if you are experiencing weight gain and are diagnosed with diabetes, consult with your doctor to determine what changes need to be made in your treatment plan or lifestyle.
3. Does diabetes go away?
Type 1 diabetes does not go away, and there is no known cure. Type 2 diabetes can go into remission, but predisposes you to a higher risk for a future recurrence, according to Joslin Diabetes Center.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with the possibility to experience remission, with diet and other lifestyle changes. Since Type 2 is a much more manageable disease, sticking to a treatment plan means that you can reduce the occurrence and complications of the disease, and possibly go into remission.
When diet or lifestyle changes are not enough you can speak with your doctor about medication, and possibly receive online diabetes medicine to make the process easier.
4. Does diabetes cause high blood pressure?
Yes, diabetes can contribute to high blood pressure, according to Johns Hopkins.
Complications from and contributors to diabetes can both cause high blood pressure. Diet and reduced physical activity can contribute to high blood pressure and diabetes, especially Type 2.
For some, treatment will involve implementing better lifestyle choices. For others, medication and other treatment options may need to be involved. Each case will be unique, so consult with your doctor on what treatment is right for you.
5. Does diabetes cause headaches?
Yes, diabetes can cause headaches, according to Healthline.
Headaches are a common symptom of diabetes that often occur due to high or low blood sugar. These headaches can feel moderate to severe and are a good warning sign that your blood sugar levels need to be addressed. Getting your blood sugar back to appropriate levels could help lessen symptoms.
It is important to note that you may still get headaches from other causes even if you have diabetes. If they are severe and persisting despite treatment, you should talk to your doctor about finding a solution.
6. Does diabetes cause weight loss?
Yes, though it is more common with Type 1 diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Weight loss happens due to the body's inefficient use of or lack of insulin. Your body responds by beginning to burn fat and muscle at a rapid pace. This weight loss will often be accompanied by other symptoms, including excessive thirst or hunger, excessive urination, itchy skin, unusual fatigue, and others.
If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, you should consult with your doctor immediately. It may point to other underlying conditions and causes as well, so if you need to find an insulin prescription online or seek other treatment, your doctor can assist you.
7. Does diabetes cause diarrhea?
Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of diabetes, according to Verywell Health.
Whether due to complications from or coexisting conditions with diabetes, diarrhea is a common issue. The exact cause isn't clear, and it may even be due to diet habits with diabetes (sorbitol is often used by those with diabetes as a sugar replacement, and it can cause diarrhea), or medication side effects.
If you are experiencing persistent diarrhea, you should consult with your doctor and see if you can identify the cause. Your doctor may even be able to help you get diabetes treatment online, so you should have ready access to solutions.
8. Does diabetes cause itching?
Yes, diabetes can cause itching, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Skin concerns can be one of the first issues that arise with diabetes. Itching can be caused by dry skin, poor blood circulation, or certain infections, and other complications with diabetes. Usually, skin conditions like these can be treated easily if caught early.
If you notice general localized itchiness, you shouldn't necessarily be concerned about a diabetic cause, but if it is occurring with other conditions or symptoms, then you should contact your doctor and schedule an appointment to determine any issues.
9. Does diabetes affect the kidneys?
Yes, diabetes can affect the kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A complication from diabetes that affects the kidneys is caused diabetic nephropathy. Damage from diabetes can slowly damage kidney function over the years, which can progress into kidney disease and even kidney failure. Complications with kidneys can be avoided with adequate management of your diabetes and good lifestyle choices.
If you have diabetes, you should have contact with your doctor on at least a yearly basis, where they can measure any kidney function concerns. If outside of those times you notice any kidney disease concerns, contact them to assess your kidney function sooner and see if intervention is needed.
10. Does diabetes cause dizziness?
Yes, diabetes can contribute to dizziness, according to Medical News Today.
High or low blood sugar caused by diabetes can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Diabetes can also cause dehydration, which could lead to dizziness. Certain medications used in treating diabetes also have side effects including dizziness.
You must seek out treatment with your doctor as soon as possible. Persistent dizziness could also signal severe complications if left untreated, so it is best to provide a path to treatment sooner rather than later.
11. Can diabetes be cured?
As of right now, there is no known cure for diabetes, according to University of Michigan Health. However, there is new research that has shown potential in cases of Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes cannot be permanently cured; however, you can send it into remission with treatment including medication and lifestyle changes. Type 1 has very recently shown potential for a cure with new research, but a widespread definitive cure is not available now and may not be for some time.
Even without a cure, diabetes is a manageable disease and can be treated with an effective plan developed with your doctor. Access is also easier than ever, as you can even get an online prescription for diabetes.
12. Can diabetes be fatal?
Yes, complications from diabetes can prove to be fatal, according to Health.com.
A diabetes diagnosis is not a death sentence, but it should be taken seriously. With today's medical advances, treating diabetes has become easier and more effective than ever. By sticking to your plan, you can provide for a long life and avoid major complications.
Many of the complications with diabetes come from long-term damage from complications, made even more severe if unnoticed and untreated. Identifying diabetes symptoms early on or working to prevent the disease altogether is the goal, and for help with this, you should consult with your doctor.
13. Can diabetes cause heart disease?
Yes, diabetes can contribute to heart disease, according to the CDC.
Complications from diabetes, including high blood pressure, can make heart disease a greater risk for diabetics. While heart disease should be taken seriously the risks can be managed by implementing good lifestyle choices.
Managing stress, maintaining physical activity, making good diet choices, and managing your diabetes can all help reduce your chances of heart disease. If you have concerns about your risk and/or want help with preventing heart disease, contact your doctor for more information.
14. Can diabetes affect your tongue?
Yes, diabetes can contribute to issues with your tongue, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If you experience burning, tingling or other strange sensations with your tongue, then it could be caused by diabetes complications. Diabetes can also cause other oral issues like thrush, which can contribute to burning of the tongue as well.
If you are experiencing these issues, it is good to follow good oral hygiene practices and inform your dentist of your issues with diabetes if oral health conditions occur. Making sure to treat your diabetes and consulting with your doctor can also help prevent oral health complications with diabetes.
15. Can diabetes cause shortness of breath?
Yes, diabetes can cause shortness of breath, according to Verywell Health.
Shortness of breath occurs as a symptom of many different complications with diabetes, and all of them have very severe consequences. Heart disease, kidney failure, and other serious conditions all have the possibility of causing shortness of breath, and their risk may be heightened with diabetes.
If you are experiencing new or worsening shortness of breath, you should see a healthcare provider immediately to be evaluated and develop a treatment plan. Seeing your doctor regularly and following a dedicated treatment plan can help you manage your diabetes and avoid serious complications like these.
16. Can diabetes cause blindness?
Yes, diabetes can cause blindness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diabetic Retinopathy is the term for eye complications caused by diabetes. It is due to damage to blood vessels at the back of the eye. It might seem to cause a few issues at first but worsens over time if diabetes is left untreated.
If you experience sudden vision changes, you should contact your doctor immediately for assessment. Otherwise, you should have yearly eye appointments to assess your vision, and you should inform your eye doctor about your diagnosis.
17. Can diabetes cause seizures?
Yes, diabetes can contribute to seizures, according to Verywell Health.
Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, caused by diabetes, can cause seizures. Seizures may occur differently in different cases, so you must be aware of the signs and get immediate help to prevent serious consequences.
The best way to avoid complications with seizures is to manage your diabetes appropriately. Proper lifestyle choices and/or medications to keep your blood sugar in check can help you avoid this phenomenon. Also, speak with your doctor so you understand the signs of a seizure.
18. Can diabetes be genetic?
Diabetes does have a genetic link but is not caused by genetics alone, according to the American Diabetes Association.
While genetics offer a greater risk for diabetes, environmental causes are still needed to trigger a diabetes diagnosis. Research is still ongoing about what exactly these environmental factors are, though, with type 2, poor lifestyle habits are a big contributor.
If you are aware of diabetes running in your family, you can get tested to detect your risk. The same can be done with your children, and if a risk is present, you can discuss with your doctor any possible methods of prevention.
19. Can diabetes be prevented?
Type 1 diabetes cannot be reliably prevented with current medical knowledge, but Type 2 can, according to the Mayo Clinic.
As researchers are still trying to determine what exactly causes Type 1 diabetes to activate, prevention efforts are still ongoing. With Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle choices play a big role in the onset of the disease.
Talking with your doctor about your risk with Type 2 diabetes, and what you can change to prevent it, is important to establish a prevention plan.
20. Can diabetes be controlled by diet?
Your diet is important for managing your diabetes, but for some cases diet alone will not be enough, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diet and lifestyle choices play a huge part in reducing or reversing the effects of type 2 diabetes, preventing it even, but it is still an important factor for managing type 1 diabetes as well.
Working with your doctor to develop a meal plan that is right for you can help you avoid complications with your diabetes diagnosis. For cases where diet is not enough, you can also speak with your doctor about how to get a diabetes prescription online.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects many people, but with advances in medicine today it is very manageable. The key is identifying problems early and addressing them early. It is easier than ever to stick to a plan, as you can even get an online diabetes prescription.
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