By Robin Hale

Type 2 Diabetes is a sign of the times it seems. Today's society is the perfect breeding ground for type 2 diabetes. Busy, stressful schedules that leave little time for exercise, latch key children and teenagers who spend hours in front of the television or computer, combined with the availability of convenient yet deadly fast food has paved the way for America's self destruction.

Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Symptoms may develop slowly and creep upon us unnoticed. As with any health problems, it's best to catch this deadly disease as early as possible.

Here's a list of 5 warning signs:

* Are you constantly tired or have extreme energy crashes during the day? - Spikes and crashes in blood sugar can cause extreme fatigue. The truth is, no one should have to experience that "after lunch tiredness" although many people talk about it as if it is common and acceptable. A properly functioning body that receives the right kind of fuel can keep going at a steady pace throughout the day. That after lunch tired feeling may not be type 2 diabetes, but it is a warning sign that you are not eating properly and your body is not running the way it should.
* Does your vision ever become blurred? - The medical explanation for blurred vision with type 2 diabetes is because during blood sugar spikes necessary fluid is sometimes pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This can impair your ability to focus.
* Do you find yourself extra thirsty? When sugar builds up in your blood stream, fluid is needed, so your body will pull it from your tissues and cause you to be extra thirsty.
* Do you have intense cravings for starchy foods or bread products? If your body doesn't have enough insulin to transfer sugar into your cells for fuel, your body will send hunger signals to your brain even though you may have recently eaten. Your body naturally does all it can to survive, so it will trigger hunger because it is unable to use the supply already in your body.
* Do you have sores that take exceptionally long to heal or frequently become infected? Non-healing sores are one of the most common signs of diabetes.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should see your physician immediately. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is still hope. You don't have to live with this condition. At the Center for Type 2 Diabetes, we provide a solid plan of action intended to reverse and break you completely free from type 2 diabetes. Regardless of what stage of diabetes you are in, whether newly diagnosed or managing the disease for several years, we have the answers you are looking for.

Diabetes is an insulin-related disease that affects close to 21 million people in the United States. This serious condition is characterized by the bodys inability to produce enough or utilize existing insulin. When blood glucose levels rise, our health greatly suffers.

In a 2005 NDIC report, their results included totals regarding diabetes sufferers of all ages, since anyone from the elderly to a toddler may experience diabetes symptoms. Typically, Type 2 diabetes sufferers are commonly diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 50.

Diabetes Symptoms
There are numerous signs that alert an individual that they may be suffering from diabetes. Common diabetes symptoms may occur in bulk or a patient may exhibit only a few. Individuals should be on the lookout for: frequent urination, extreme hunger or thirst, blurred vision, sudden weight loss, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, fatigue, excessively dry skin, increase in infections and slow-healing wounds. Individuals exhibiting Type 1 diabetes symptoms include nausea, vomiting and/or stomach pains.

Different Types of Diabetes
If the symptoms that you experience turn out to be the disease, you will be diagnosed as either suffering from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of diagnosed diabetes cases, where the immune system actually destroys the cells in the body that produce insulin. This type of diabetes may also be referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes. Most sufferers of the disease are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which involves the bodys resistance to insulin. Another type of diabetes exists, but only affects 2-5% of pregnant women. It is called gestational diabetes and has the potential to harm both mother and child when not treated.

Diabetes Management
When accompanied with steady exercise and proper medication, healthy eating habits can ease diabetes symptoms. Through a balanced diet, filled with a healthy combination of carbohydrates, protein and fats, proper nutrition can be used as a defense against the symptoms connected to diabetes. Acceptable food items include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, beans, 2% milk and lean meats. Fried foods and heavily sweetened foods should be avoided when diagnosed with diabetes.

Seeking Treatment is Important
When you suspect that you are exhibiting diabetes symptoms, an immediate visit to a doctor is needed. This is because, when diabetes is left untreated, a host of debilitating health problems soon follows. Since foot problems tend to affect diabetes patients, there are many concerns in this area, including infection, amputation and gangrene. Eye problems are also common among diabetes sufferers. When left untreated, blindness may occur. Additional health issues associated with untreated diabetes symptoms include heart disease and kidney failure.