Early Symptoms Of Diabetes

It is possible to have diabetes with only very
mild symptoms or without developing any
symptoms at all. Such cases can leave some
people with diabetes unaware of the condition
and undiagnosed. This happens in around half
of people with type 2 diabetes. 1,2
A condition known as prediabetes that often leads to
type 2 diabetes also produces no symptoms. Type 2
diabetes and its symptoms develop slowly. 3
Type 1 diabetes can go unnoticed but is less likely to
do so. Some of its symptoms listed below can come
on abruptly and be accompanied by nausea,

vomiting or stomach pains. 2-4
It is important to see a doctor if there is any
suspicion of diabetes or if any of the below signs and
symptoms are present - prompt diagnosis and
management lowers the likelihood of serious
complications. 5
The most common symptoms are related to
hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), especially
the classic symptoms of diabetes: frequent urination
and thirst. Fatigue related to dehydration and eating
problems can also be related to high blood
sugars. 5,6
The International Diabetes Foundation highlight four
symptoms that should prompt someone to get
checked for diabetes as soon as possible: 1
Common symptoms of diabetes
The most common signs and symptoms of diabetes
are:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
are classic symptoms of diabetes.
Have you been going to the bathroom to urinate
more often recently? Do you notice that you spend
most of the day going to the toilet? When there is too
much glucose (sugar) in your blood you will urinate
more often.
If your insulin is ineffective, or not there at all, your
kidneys cannot filter the glucose back into the blood.
The kidneys will take water from your blood in order
to dilute the glucose - which in turn fills up your
bladder.
Disproportionate thirst
If you are urinating more than usual, you will need to
replace that lost liquid. You will be drinking more
than usual. Have you been drinking more than usual
lately?
Intense hunger
As the insulin in your blood is not working properly,
or is not there at all, and your cells are not getting
their energy, your body may react by trying to find
more energy - food. You will become hungry.
Weight gain
This might be the result of the above symptom
(intense hunger).
Unusual weight loss
This is more common among people with Diabetes
Type 1. As your body is not making insulin it will seek
out another energy source (the cells aren't getting
glucose). Muscle tissue and fat will be broken down
for energy. As Type 1 is of a more sudden onset and
Type 2 is much more gradual, weight loss is more
noticeable with Type 1.
Increased fatigue
If your insulin is not working properly, or is not there
at all, glucose will not be entering your cells and
providing them with energy. This will make you feel
tired and listless.
Irritability
Irritability can be due to your lack of energy.
Blurred vision
This can be caused by tissue being pulled from your
eye lenses. This affects your eyes' ability to focus.
With proper treatment this can be treated. There are
severe cases where blindness or prolonged vision
problems can occur.
Cuts and bruises don't heal properly or quickly
Do you find cuts and bruises take a much longer time
than usual to heal? When there is more sugar
(glucose) in your body, its ability to heal can be
undermined.
More skin and/or yeast infections
When there is more sugar in your body, its ability to
recover from infections is affected. Women with
diabetes find it especially difficult to recover from
bladder and vaginal infections.
Itchy skin
A feeling of itchiness on your skin is sometimes a
symptom of diabetes.
Gums are red and/or swollen - Gums pull away from
teeth
If your gums are tender, red and/or swollen this could
be a sign of diabetes. Your teeth could become loose
as the gums pull away from them.
Frequent gum disease/infection
As well as the previous gum symptoms, you may
experience more frequent gum disease and/or gum
infections.
Sexual dysfunction among men
If you are over 50 and experience frequent or
constant sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction), it
could be a symptom of diabetes.
Numbness or tingling, especially in your feet and
hands
If there is too much sugar in your body your nerves
could become damaged, as could the tiny blood
vessels that feed those nerves. You may experience
tingling and/or numbness in your hands and feet.
Diabetes diagnosis
Diabetes can often be detected by carrying out a
urine test, which finds out whether excess glucose is
present. This is normally backed up by a blood test,
which measures blood glucose levels and can confirm
if the cause of your symptoms is diabetes.
If you are worried that you may have some of the
above symptoms, you are recommended to talk to
your Doctor or a qualified health professional.