Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes.  Of those 29.1 million, 27.3% are undiagnosed.  Diabetes symptoms can often be very subtle and are easy to miss.  Early detection, while sometimes difficult, can be key in managing your diabetes.  If you know what to look for you can make sure that you are diagnosed quickly and receive the treatment that you need.

Three Types of Diabetes

There are three different types of diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the cells that produce insulin.  As a result, the body is unable to make insulin and leaves glucose in the blood that starts to damage organs.  People who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to survive, and this type is often diagnosed at a very early age.

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body ignores the insulin.  This type of diabetes also leads to a buildup of glucose in the blood but does not necessarily require insulin to manage the disease.  Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed at any time but is usually discovered later on.

There is also gestational diabetes that can occur during the second trimester of pregnancy.  The symptoms of each type of diabetes are very similar, and it is important to visit your doctor as soon as you notice them.  Your doctor can test you to find out which type of diabetes you have and then work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes can cause some or all of these signs, and they might manifest themselves differently in each person.  If you have one or all of these symptoms, it is important that you meet with your healthcare provider right away.

Frequent Urination

Glucose buildup causes the kidneys to keep flushing fluids out of your system.  This means there is an increase in production of urine and an increase in elimination.  If you notice that you are going to the bathroom more than you normally do, you might want to talk with your doctor.

Excessive Thirst

Along with frequent urination comes excessive thirst.  Because you are urinating more than usual your body needs to compensate with more fluids.  Dry mouth and extreme thirst are also key signs of diabetes.

Blurred Vision

The lens in your eye can bend and flex to be able to focus the eye.  If your body has high-blood sugar, one of the symptoms of diabetes, the lens can’t bend like normal.  This causes your vision to be blurred and your eye unable to focus.

Weight Loss

If you have diabetes, you might have unexplained weight loss.  Your cells are not getting enough glucose, and you are also losing calories and fluids due to increased urination.

Tingling, Numbness, or Pain

Feet or hands that are tingling, numb, or have pain are classic signs of diabetes.  This symptom will be one of the last to arrive because of the damage to your blood vessels due to increased glucose.  If you experience any of these, get to your doctor immediately so you can be tested and treated.

Even though the onset of diabetes can be difficult to notice, you can be on top of it by being aware of these signs.  If you have a family history of diabetes, you should be extra cautious and regularly visit your doctor to make sure that you don’t have diabetes.  Don’t be worried if you do have some of these symptoms, as your doctor will provide you with tests and proper treatment and management.

SeniorAdvisor.com Staff

Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.