Diabetes awareness

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Diabetes awareness

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Both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes is a very common medical condition among American Tactical Athletes.  There are different types of diabetes.  Type I diabetes is an inability of the body to make its own insulin.  Conversely, with type II diabetes, the pancreas is able to produce insulin, but it is not an adequate amount.  In addition, the insulin that is produced is not recognized by the body cells, thus it does not function properly.  Insulin is a hormone produced to help transfer glucose or sugar from the bloodstream into body cells.  With both types of diabetes, sugar remains in the bloodstream and levels become too high.  The focus of this blog post is type II diabetes. 


Signs and symptoms of type II diabetes

  • Areas of darkened skin, usually in the axilla and neck
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Frequent infections
  • Increased thirst
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Slow-healing open wounds
  • Unintended weight loss

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Risk factors of type II diabetes

  • Being overweight
  • Family history of type II diabetes
  • Low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides
  • Inactivity
  • Increased fat in the abdomen (men with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches; women with a measurement greater than 35 inches)


Type II diabetes affects many major organs and body systems.  Controlling your blood sugar levels and managing this diagnosis can decrease risk of complications

  • Heart and blood vessel disease (heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis)
  • Nerve damage in limbs (neuropathy)
  • Damage to nerves of the heart that can lead to irregular heart rhythms
  • Damage to nerves of the digestive system that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Kidney disease
  • Eye damage (cataracts, glaucoma, damage to the retina)
  • Hearing impairment
  • Slow healing of open wounds and injuries
  • Skin conditions (bacterial and fungal infections)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Dementia

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Type II diabetes can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.  Maintaining a healthy diet low in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats can decrease your risk of type II diabetes.  A well balanced diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.  Staying well hydrated is also an important part of a healthy diet.  Regularly exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly decrease the risk of type II diabetes.  Type II diabetes is a significant medical condition, but taking the appropriate precautions can help to decrease your risk of this diagnosis. 


By:  J. Scott, DPT, ATC, CSCS, TSAC-F


Sources: American Diabetes Association, The Mayo Clinic

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