More than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes. About 90–95% have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes means that your blood has too much glucose. This can happen fast and be severe in type 1, but in type 2, symptoms are often mild and can be missed. It’s important to know the signs early so you can get help sooner.
In this article, we’ll delve into in-depth what are the symptoms of diabetes and how to manage them properly.
Let’s delve into what are the symptoms of diabetes.
Key Takeaways:
Hunger and Fatigue
Diabetes often brings increased hunger and fatigue as its main symptoms. A lack of insulin or cells not reacting well to it can cause this. Without enough insulin, your body can’t turn food into energy. This leads to more hunger and feeling tired much of the time.
Normally, the body makes glucose from food for energy. Insulin helps push the glucose into cells to fuel them. But with diabetes, this process doesn’t work right. So, you feel hungry more and tire out easily. It’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms for a check-up and advice on what to do next.
Frequent Urination and Thirst
Frequent urination and too much thirst are key signs of diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys can’t keep all the glucose. This leads to making more urine. So, people with diabetes might pee more than others.
People with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, often pee a lot because of high blood sugar. They might pee 8 times or more each day. Nearly half of those with untreated diabetes notice more peeing as an early sign.
This constant need to pee can mess with sleep, making individuals tired the next day. And with being always thirsty, diabetes can lower the quality of life.
Feeling like you can’t drink enough water is called polydipsia, and it’s another diabetes symptom. When blood sugar is high, the body tries to lower it by pulling water from tissues. This makes you want to drink, but you can never seem to drink enough.
If you pee a lot, are always thirsty, and feel tired, it’s time to see a doctor. Other signs like losing weight, blurry vision, or tingling in hands and feet are also red flags. Getting checked for diabetes is the smart move.
Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin
Dry mouth is a sign of diabetes. It happens because your body loses fluid too quickly. This happens when your diabetes isn’t well controlled. It makes you produce less saliva, leading to mouth dryness. Talking and eating can become hard with a dry mouth.
Itchy skin comes with diabetes too. Dehydration from high blood sugar makes your skin dry. Also, diabetes can harm nerves and lead to poor blood flow. The itching can start early and affect many body parts, like the arms, legs, and private areas.
To deal with dry mouth and itchy skin, managing diabetes well is key. Keep your body hydrated and your blood sugar in check. Also, use skin lotions and avoid strong soap. Don’t forget regular doctor’s visits. They’re very important for diabetes care and to keep an eye on any symptoms.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is a common sign for people with diabetes. It happens when the body’s fluid levels change. This makes the lenses in the eyes swell, making it hard to see clearly.
More than 1 in 3 people with diabetes find their sight blurry. This happens because of diabetic retinopathy. It harms the blood vessels in the retina, which is at the back of the eye.
Diabetes also raises the chances of getting other eye issues. These include glaucoma and cataracts, which can make your vision worse. Diabetic retinopathy is the top reason for blindness in American adults. It hurts the blood vessels in the retina.
Big changes in blood sugar, like really high levels (hyperglycemia), can cause blurry vision. You may also have a headache, feel tired, be more thirsty, and need to pee a lot. When your blood sugar gets back to normal, the blurry vision might go away.
For people with diabetes, it’s crucial to treat and manage diabetic retinopathy. Taking good care of your diabetes, in general, is also really important. This helps keep your vision from getting worse.
Yeast Infections
Both men and women with diabetes can get yeast infections. Yeast loves glucose, so high blood sugar can help yeast grow. It mainly happens in warm, damp places on the body like between fingers and toes, under breasts, and around the sex organs.
Yeast infections show up in different body areas. These include the mouth, skin folds, armpits, and under breasts. Women with diabetes often face vaginal yeast infections. This is caused by changes in the vagina’s pH levels.
Keeping blood sugar in check is key to avoiding these infections. Good hygiene, comfy clothes, and eating probiotics also help. They keep the right balance of healthy germs in your body.
If you do get a yeast infection, many products can help. These include Lotrimin AF, Monistat, and others you can buy without a prescription. But, those with diabetes that isn’t controlled, pregnant women, and those with severe infections need to see a doctor.
Doctors might prescribe antifungal creams, pills, or suppositories. Adding a probiotic helps speed up recovery by calming your body’s germs.
Remember that not treating yeast infections can be risky. This is especially true for people with weak immune systems, like those with diabetes. In bad cases, yeast can go into the blood and cause serious illness.
For those with diabetes, stuff like Athlete’s foot can be serious. Nerve damage and poor blood flow from diabetes can lead to foot sores. In some bad cases, this might even lead to amputation.
Slow-Healing Sores or Cuts
One of the most common signs of diabetes is slow-healing sores or cuts. These are closely tied to the disease and have several causes. High sugar levels in the blood can slow down the blood flow.
This makes it hard for the body to send oxygen and nutrients to heal wounds. Moreover, diabetes can harm your nerves, making you feel less or nothing in the injured area. This might stop you from realizing you’re hurt and taking care of the wound soon.
About 60% of people with diabetes deal with nerve damage, a condition called neuropathy. This can slow down the healing of wounds. So, diabetics must be extra careful with their wounds. They should make sure to treat them right away to avoid problems.
Poor blood flow is often a problem in diabetes. It damages the blood vessels, reducing the nutrients and immune cells that your wounds need to heal. If a wound lasts over a month, it’s known as a chronic wound. These are quite common in people with diabetes.
Diabetes also makes it easy for bacteria to grow in your wounds. High blood sugar levels give these germs energy to grow more. This makes infections a bigger risk for diabetics and can further slow down wound healing. That’s why it’s so important to treat cuts and scrapes right as they happen.
For caring for slow-healing wounds in diabetes, different types of dressings can help. Foam dressings are good for wounds that are oozing, as they soak up extra liquid. Hydrogel dressings, on the other hand, keep things moist, which can be good for wound healing.
To wrap it up, slow-healing sores or cuts are often seen in diabetes. The problem comes from high blood sugar, less blood flow, nerve damage, and an immune system that may not work as well. It’s vital to take care of wounds the right way and early. Knowing what’s behind slow healing and getting help quickly can make a difference for diabetics.
Pain or Numbness in Feet or Legs
Diabetic neuropathy is a common issue for those with diabetes. It can lead to pain or numbness in the feet or legs. This happens because high blood sugar harms the nerves in the body, especially in the extremities. Known as peripheral neuropathy, it usually starts in the feet and legs. Then, it can move to the hands and arms.
People with diabetic neuropathy may face various symptoms beyond pain and numbness. They might find it hard to feel sores or cuts and might have sleep problems. Other issues include bloating, trouble walking, and problems with urination. Remember, symptoms can differ for each person. Not everyone experiences the same thing.
Many things can cause diabetic neuropathy. These include high blood sugar for a long time, high triglycerides, and diabetes for an extended period. Other risks are high blood pressure, vitamin B shortage, alcohol and smoking, and certain illnesses or medications. It’s vital for people with diabetes to control these risks. It helps avoid or lessen neuropathy.
Left unchecked, diabetic neuropathy can lead to serious issues. For example, it may cause foot ulcers due to reduced feeling. This makes it hard to sense injuries or pressure, leading to ulcers that don’t heal well. Such ulcers can get infected, sometimes requiring amputation to stop the infection. Also, it can cause fainting from low blood pressure, endangering daily life.
To prevent or manage diabetic neuropathy, controlling blood sugar is key. This involves eating well, exercising, taking medicines on schedule, not smoking, and drinking alcohol moderately. It’s also important to check your feet often, keep them clean and moisturized, and trim your nails. These steps will help prevent foot problems and reduce the chance of ulcers.
In short, diabetic neuropathy can lead to foot and leg pain or numbness. It is a complication of diabetes. Knowing the symptoms and risks is crucial for those with diabetes. By managing blood sugar and caring for your feet, you can lower the risk of problems and stay healthy.
Unplanned Weight Loss
Unplanned weight loss happens a lot with diabetes. People with diabetes find it hard to use glucose from food for energy. So, their body ends up burning muscle and fat to make up for this. This leads to losing weight without changing how much they eat.
This weight loss is not on purpose and can happen even if they eat enough. Since glucose isn’t used right, their body turns to other ways to get energy. It might start using up muscle and fat. This can make someone lose weight slowly or quickly, based on how serious their diabetes is.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause weight loss. But if you drop 10 pounds or more for no clear reason, it might signal diabetes. Seeing a doctor is vital in this case. They can talk to you about taking insulin or other medicines. This can get you back to a healthy blood sugar level. Helping right away can stop more issues and keep you healthy.
Diabetes often comes with other signs besides losing weight. Signs include always feeling thirsty or needing to pee a lot. You might have itchy skin, dark areas on your neck and underarms, or not heal cuts fast.
Other signs are getting yeast infections, feeling tired, being moody, or having blurry vision. Knowing these signs is key. They help in getting a proper checkup and finding the best way to control diabetes.
Nausea and Vomiting
Diabetes can cause high blood sugar, leading to ketones in the blood. This can cause a serious issue called diabetic ketoacidosis. It happens when ketones build up, leading to symptoms like strong nausea and vomiting. It’s critical to check your blood sugar often and get help if you feel this way.
There are many reasons for nausea and vomiting in people with diabetes. Blood sugar moving too high or low is one cause. This can make you feel queasy. Also, some diabetes medicines might make you nauseous. Be sure to take your meds as told and see your doctor if you’re often nauseous.
Gastroparesis, a digestive issue linked to diabetes, can also lead to nausea. It slows how quickly your stomach empties, causing you to feel sick. To deal with it, try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid fatty and high-fiber foods as well.
Pancreatitis is more common in those with diabetes and can cause nausea and vomiting. This is when your pancreas becomes inflamed. Get medical help fast if you have these symptoms. It’s key to know that diabetes raises your risk of this condition.
Lifestyle habits can also reduce the dangers that make you nauseous in diabetes. Taking your medication on time, not drinking too much alcohol, and not smoking help. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for your health. Using these tips and watching your symptoms can make you feel better and live well.
Always talk to your doctor about how to handle nausea and vomiting. They might suggest changes in what you eat, new medications, or products you can buy without a prescription. Staying in touch with your doctor ensures you get the best care for your situation.
High Blood Sugar during Pregnancy
Some women may face high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes. This condition might not show clear signs, so checking blood sugar is vital. Still, there are clues some women with gestational diabetes pick up on.
Feeling extra thirsty could be a hint of high blood sugar in pregnancy. It’s because the body’s need for more fluids increases with high glucose levels. Also, more urination could happen as the body tries to filter out excess blood sugar, leading to making more urine.
If these signs show up, talking to a doctor is very important. Keeping a close eye on blood sugar and managing gestational diabetes well can prevent serious issues and keep the pregnancy healthy.
To avoid gestational diabetes, a healthy lifestyle is key. This means eating well, staying active, and keeping a good weight even before you’re pregnant. Doing so can cut the chances of getting gestational diabetes and the problems it brings.
Gestational diabetes could lead to various concerns during pregnancy. These include a higher risk of needing a c-section, babies with high birth weight, and premature birth, among others. Babies of moms with gestational diabetes are also more likely to face health issues like obesity and diabetes.
For women who had gestational diabetes before, staying alert is crucial. They might need more tests to keep track of their blood sugar and health. Seeking the right medical advice and sticking to a healthy lifestyle can lessen the impact of gestational diabetes.
In summary, though high blood sugar in pregnancy might not always be obvious, knowing about gestational diabetes and its signs is vital. Consistent checking, healthy habits, and taking care of gestational diabetes can lead to a safer pregnancy and lower the risks linked with high blood sugar.
Conclusion
What are the symptoms of diabetes? Finding out about diabetes early is very important. Knowing the signs like being very hungry and tired, going to the bathroom a lot, and always feeling thirsty can make a big difference. It can also include having a dry mouth, itchy skin, or not seeing clearly.
Other signs are getting yeast infections often, cuts that take a long time to heal, and feeling pain or numbness in the legs. Losing weight without trying, throwing up, or having high blood sugar while pregnant are also signs. If you notice these things, it’s wise to see a doctor quickly. This can help avoid serious problems linked to diabetes.
Checking your health often and keeping track of your blood sugar are crucial steps. It’s especially important for those with a family background of diabetes or certain risk elements. Making these check-ups a routine can empower you to take charge of your health. It helps you make smart choices about how you live.
Eating right is key to managing diabetes. It means having a well-rounded menu, steering clear of too many carbs and sugars, and sticking to a meal plan. Watching your carb intake and measuring food can keep your blood sugar in check. Also, making time for exercise and keeping your weight under control is vital. Aiming for an active, healthy lifestyle alongside early diabetes detection is key.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, and blurry vision.
Can diabetes develop suddenly?
Yes, Type 1 diabetes can develop suddenly, while Type 2 diabetes typically develops more gradually.
Can you get diabetes at any age?
Yes, diabetes can occur at any age, affecting both children and adults.
How will I know if I am diabetic?
You may suspect diabetes if you experience common symptoms; a blood test from your doctor will confirm the diagnosis.
Can you get diabetes 1 later in life?
Yes, although Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults, it can occur at any age.
How do you confirm diabetes?
Diabetes is confirmed through blood tests that measure your blood sugar levels, such as fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c tests.
Can eating too much sugar cause diabetes?
Eating too much sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes, but it can contribute to obesity, a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. Nutrition Cult does not claim responsibility for this information.
