Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.

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On Monday, after a whole battery of tests, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I Battled with my Insulin before I fell pregnant with Koko. Once it was under control, I was taken off all medication and carried on with my life. That was almost 11 years ago.

Over the last 10 years, my health taken a nose dive. It was not a sudden thing, it was gradual. Slowly busy surely, my insulin started rising uncontrollably and I never sought help. I knew something wasn’t right, but I never did anything about it. Dumb, I know…

The Hubby finally put his foot down last week and forced me to make an appointment. Yes, it took my husband’s constant demanding to go see the doctor that finally make me make the appointment. I managed to get an appointment with the doctor the next day, something that rarely happens as he is insanely busy.

I went to the doctor alone. I didn’t want to have The Hubby with me. I wanted to do this on my own, with a clear head and no distractions. It wasn’t easy giving the doctor the list of all the symptoms I had experienced.

I don’t like to appear weak. Wow, that was an unexpected revelation! I have always felt that I had to be the strong one, the one that can be depended on no matter what. I guess I’m not invincible after all.

Any who, after giving him my list of symptoms, he sent me to have blood drawn to check my hormones, thyroid, sugar and insulin levels, liver and kidney function. They also checked my cholesterol and did an x-ray of my sinuses.

My cholesterol is normal and my sinuses are A-Ok. So the wait for the blood results began.

I got the blood results yesterday. My hormones, thyroid, sugar (big surprise), liver and kidney function came back normal. My insulin is extremely high at 24, it shouldn’t be higher than 5! That was highlighted in bright red on the results. Not something I expected to see since my sugar/glucose was sitting at 4, which is within normal parameters. So now the journey with medication begins. He has given me Glucophage (500mg) to take once a day to manage the insulin and has also prescribed Concerta to help me with the constant exhaustion.

I took the Concerta for the first time today and I can tell you that I already saw and felt the difference. I am more alert, am functioning much better and my anxiety was under control all day.

I’m not now, nor have I ever been, a health fanatic, but I think its time that I stopped abusing my body. I am a busy, full time, mom and my family needs me to be at my best, I can’t keep giving everything I have and not looking after myself. It’s easier said than done, mind you.

I always tell people that you can’t give your family the attention and support they need if you don’t look after yourself. I think its time I follow my own advice.

What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious health complications. That’s why it is very important to know how to spot type 2 diabetes symptoms. Even prediabetes can increase the chance of heart disease, just like type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about preventive measures you can take now to reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes due to high blood sugar may include:
* Increased thirst
* Increased hunger (especially after eating)
* Dry mouth
* Frequent urination
* Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)
* Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
* Blurred vision
* Headaches
* Loss of consciousness (rare)

Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:
* Slow-healing sores or cuts
* Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area)
* Frequent yeast infections
* Recent weight gain or unexplained weight loss
* Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin, called acanthosis nigricans
* Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
* Decreased vision
* Erectile dysfunction (impotency)

References:
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2