Type 2 diabetes bears many similarities to high blood pressure, at least in the beginning. Both conditions usually go undetected and can raise your risk of heart disease. However, as type diabetes progresses, it can spew out some sinister symptoms.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that’s been linked to type 2 diabetes.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition whereby the tissue beneath the surface of the hand and fingers begins to thicken and contract.
This can lead to small, hard lumps appearing beneath the skin, which are benign (non-cancerous), but can feel tender.
According to Diabetes.co.uk, as the condition progresses, these lumps – also known as nodules – can extend into hard cords of tissue.
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In one study, 13 percent of patients with Dupuytren’s disease were found to have a raised blood sugar (glucose) level.
What are the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or you’re worried you may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
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“The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better,” adds the health body.
What happens next
Following a diabetes diagnosis, your GP will usually recommend lifestyle changes to bring your blood sugar levels down – this is central to managing the condition.
A healthy diet and keeping active will help you manage your blood sugar level.
In regards to the former, there’s nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you’ll have to limit certain foods.
You must tread carefully with certain carbohydrates because carbs are broken down quickly by your body and cause a rapid increase in blood glucose.
Carbohydrate foods that are broken down quickly by your body have a high glycaemic index (GI) rating.
GI is a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates – it shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.
High GI foods include:
- Sugar and sugary foods
- Sugary soft drinks
- White bread
- Potatoes
- White rice.
Low or medium GI foods are broken down more slowly and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels over time.
They include:
- Some fruit and vegetables
- Pulses
- Wholegrain foods, such as porridge oats.
Source: Daily Express
