While diabetes is not actually a form of heart disease, it often contributes to heart disease. Diabetes occurs when a body is unable to produce or respond properly to insulin which is needed to regulate glucose (sugar). Besides contributing to heart disease, diabetes also increases the risks of developing kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and blood vessel damage.

There are two forms of diabetes to be aware of: juvenile diabetes (type 1) and adult-onset (tyle 2) diabetes. Adult-onset diabetes is associated with obesity and can be delayed or controlled with proper diet and exercise as opposed to medication. Juvenile Diabetes, on the other hand, is the result of the the body not producing proper levels of insulin and therefore requires medical intervention to correct the insulin imbalance.

Unfortunately, diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes, such as heart related issues in the future.

Some diabetes symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme weakness and fatigue
• Urinating at night (nocturnal enuresis)
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Heavy or labored breathing
• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Fruity odor on the breath

If you should suspect that you, or someone close to you may be at risk, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible to avoid future complications.

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