Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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Type 2 diabetes gives rise to an excess of blood sugar – the main type of sugar found in blood – in the body. The body becomes flooded with blood sugar because the regulatory opposition – insulin – is out of action. There are many telltale signs of consistently high blood sugar levels.
According to Hussain Abdeh, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medicine Direct, the signs may surface in your urine.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “If your urine smells fruity or sweet in any way, it may be a sign that you have diabetes.
“This is due to an excess of blood sugar, with glucose being disposed of via your urine.”
According to Abdeh, if you are noticing that your urine is smelling distinctly sweet, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
He added: “It is especially important that you do this if you are urinating more than usual and are also feeling very tired or thirsty.”
Smelly urine can also be an indirect effect of other diabetes symptoms.
“One of the most common reasons for smelly urine is dehydration,” explains Abdeh.
According to Diabetes.co.uk, people with diabetes have an increased risk of dehydration as high blood glucose levels lead to decreased hydration in the body.
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How does dehydration cause smelly urine?
Abdeh explains: “Urine is made from a combination of water and waste products. When you have not got enough water in your body, there is an imbalance of water and waste product in your urine; this can make urine smell stronger than usual.”
According to Abdeh, the smell is commonly similar to that of ammonia.
“Another sign that you are dehydrated is if your urine is the colour of honey,” he added.
How to respond
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.
“You’ll need a blood test, which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it cannot be done at your GP surgery,” explains the health body.
The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better.
As the NHS points out, early treatment reduces your risk of other health problems.
What happens next
Following a formal diagnosis, you’ll be required to make lifestyle changes in order to lower high blood sugar levels.
There are two key components to blood sugar control – improving your diet and engaging in regular exercise.
There’s nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you’ll have to limit certain foods.
The ones to watch are carbohydrates because carbs are broken down into glucose (blood sugar) relatively fast.
To avoid the riskiest carbs, you should refer to the glycaemic index (GI) – 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.
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