Warning Signs & Symptoms: Diabetes

Diabetes is often referred to as the silent killer -- for the reason that many of its symptoms can be easily overlooked.

Diabetes, which takes place when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin for the body (Type I) or when cells in the body develop resistant to the insulin and cannot use as much of it at one time (Type II), can affect people at any age. Though, Type II diabetes is more commonly found in older adults, usually persons over age 40, and particularly in adults that are overweight.

Despite the fact it's very easy to test for diabetes, a simple blood glucose test is the determining factor, diabetes may not be easily recognized at the outset since so many of its symptoms are also common complaints for people who don’t have diabetes. Consequently, diabetes may often go undiagnosed for a period of time before it is discovered and treated.

The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Urinating often. Frequent urination, particularly at night, can also be a symptom of diabetes, but this symptom alone would not necessarily suggest the disease either. This symptom would also have to become pretty annoying and recurrent before it would prompt most people to consult a doctor.

• Extreme fatigue. Fatigue is a classic symptom of the disease. However, fatigue also accompanies many, many other conditions, some of which are serious and others of which may be just simple virus bugs. So fatigue alone, unless it became unbearable, is unlikely to send someone to the doctor for a blood test.

• Blurry vision. Blurred vision is a possible indicator of diabetes, and since this symptom can be troublesome, is more likely to result in medical attention and diagnosis.

• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal. Skin infections, wounds that are slow to heal, particularly sores on the feet and ankles, and recurrent vaginal infections (in women), are signs of possible diabetes that are somewhat more likely to draw attention and result in a diagnosis.

• Weight loss - even though you are eating more (type 1). Unexplained weight loss is another possible sign of diabetes but again, not a significant indication that the individual necessarily has diabetes. In many cases, people who want to lose weight would consider this an unexpected blessing and might not consult their doctor unless they had lost a considerable amount of weight over a period of time.

• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2). Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet are also possible indicators of diabetes, and since these symptoms can be bothersome, are more likely to result in medical attention and diagnosis.

• Feeling very thirsty

• Feeling very hungry - even though you are eating

Individuals who experience several of the above-mentioned symptoms may have good reason to suspect diabetes, particularly if they are in any of the higher risk categories, and should contact their physician to request a simple blood glucose test which can either confirm or rule out diabetes.

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications. If untreated or uncontrolled, diabetes can cause comas, blindness, kidney disease and kidney failure, nerve disease and amputations, heart disease, and/or stroke. Studies show that keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels close to normal can help prevent or delay these problems.



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