Symptoms Of Diabetes

Diabetes is actually a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough of the hormone insulin or can’t use insulin properly. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs whenever your body’s pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or your body’s cells disregard the insulin. Between 90-95% of people who are clinically determined to have diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

 

Type 1 Diabetes

 

Frequent urination

Frequent urination is often noticed because you must wake up repeatedly during the night.

Unusual thirst

The first symptom of diabetes is often excessive thirst that is unrelated to exercise, hot weather, or short-term illness.

Extreme hunger

You’re still hungry all the time despite the fact that you’ve eaten.

Unusual weight-loss

Rapid and/or sudden weight loss any dramatic change in weight is really a sign to see a doctor

Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Tiredness and fatigue, possibly severe enough to make you fall asleep unexpectedly after meals, is probably the most common symptoms of diabetes.

 

Type 2 Diabetes

 

Any of the type 1 symptoms

Frequent infections

Recurrent or hard-to-treat yeast infections in females are another sign of impaired immune function.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision may occur because diabetes can lead to macular degeneration and eventual blindness

Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

Slow healing of minor scratches and wounds could be the consequence of diabetes-related impaired immune system function.

Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet

Numbness and/or tingling in the hands and feet may occur due to peripheral neuropathy, an indicator of diabetes, causes nerve damage in the extremities

Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Dry or itchy skin may be a consequence of peripheral neuropathy which affects circulation and proper sweat gland function.Itching skin, especially in the groin or vaginal area

Who is vulnerable to diabetes?

You are at increased risk for diabetes if:

You’re older than 45 years of age

You’re overweight

You do not exercise regularly

Your parent, brother or sister has diabetes

You gave birth to a baby who weighed in excess of 9 pounds or perhaps you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant

You’re African American, Hispanic American/Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander

 

If you have 1 or maybe more of those risk factors, your doctor may wish you to be  “screened” for diabetes. You could also be tested at a younger age and much more often if you have risk factors. Confer with your family doctor about your risk of developing diabetes and about a plan for regular testing.