People can have different diabetes symptoms depending on what type of diabetes they have.
Diabetes is a serious, chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body turn food into energy. When people have diabetes, their blood sugar levels become too high. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and other health problems. Diabetes can be managed through physical activity, diet, and taking medication as prescribed by a doctor.
There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not make any insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not make enough insulin or the body does not use the insulin well. Gestational diabetes is when pregnant women have high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes symptoms
There are different types of diabetes, and each person’s experience with the disease will be unique. However, there are some common symptoms of diabetes that people may experience.
The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
1. Increased thirst
As people with diabetes often experience excessive thirst, it is sometimes called “the Thirsty Disease.” This symptom is caused by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and the body’s efforts to get rid of the excess sugar. When the kidneys sense that blood sugar levels are too high, they start to filter more fluid from the blood to try to get rid of the sugar. This extra fluid ends up in the bladder and makes you want to drink more fluids.
2. Frequent urination
People with diabetes may urinate more often than those without the disease. This is because diabetes can cause the body to excrete excess sugar in the urine. When sugar builds up in the blood, the kidneys try to get rid of it by flushing it out in the urine. This can cause people with diabetes to urinate more frequently and in larger amounts than usual.
3. Extreme hunger
In people with diabetes, there is a condition called extreme hunger, which is also known as a hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHNS). This happens when blood sugar levels get too high and the body tries to get rid of the sugar by releasing large amounts of insulin. The insulin causes the body to remove too much water from the blood, which can lead to dehydration and a severe drop in blood pressure. This can cause seizures, coma, or even death. Extreme hunger is a serious complication of diabetes and should be treated right away.
4. Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss is a common problem for people with diabetes. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the weight loss, and it is often difficult to treat. Some possible causes of unexplained weight loss in diabetes include infection, medication side effects, and changes in diet or exercise habits. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, be sure to speak with your doctor about possible causes and treatments.
5. Presence of ketones in the urine
Ketones are a by-product of fat metabolism, and their presence in the urine can indicate problems with diabetes control. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, it can’t use glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down fat for energy instead. This process produces ketones, which are eliminated in the urine.
People with diabetes should test their urine for ketones regularly, especially if they’re having trouble controlling their blood sugar levels. Ketone testing can help you determine whether you need to make changes to your diet or medication regimen.
6. Fatigue
Fatigue is common in diabetes, but its cause is unknown. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are fatigued more often and have more severe fatigue than those without the disease. Diabetes-related fatigue may be due to high blood sugar levels, the stress of living with diabetes, or the medications used to treat the disease.
There are several things you can do to help reduce fatigue related to diabetes:
-Get regular exercise. A moderate amount of exercise can help improve energy levels and mood.
-Eat a healthy diet. Eating balanced meals and snacks throughout the day will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and your energy level up.
-Manage stress. Stress can contribute to fatigue, so find ways to relax and manage your stressors.
-Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
7. Irritability
Irritability is a common symptom in both diabetes and prediabetes. People with diabetes were twice as likely to report irritability as those without diabetes. People with prediabetes are also more likely to report irritability than those without prediabetes. Research is needed to determine whether irritability is a direct result of having diabetes or prediabetes, or if it’s related to other factors such as anxiety or depression.
8. Blurred vision
One of the most common complications of diabetes is blurred vision. About half of people with diabetes have some form of visual impairment. Blurred vision can occur when the blood sugar levels are high, and it is often the first sign that a person has diabetes.
The type of blurred vision associated with diabetes is usually caused by changes in the shape of the eye lens. The lens becomes less flexible, and this makes it difficult for the eye to focus properly. Blurred vision can also be caused by retinopathy, which is a condition that affects the retina. Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels in the retina become damaged, and this can lead to blindness.
People with diabetes should have their eyes checked regularly so any problems can be detected and treated as early as possible. If you experience blurred vision, see your doctor right away.
9. Slow-healing sores
It is well known that people with diabetes are at risk of developing foot ulcers. These sores can be slow to heal, and in some cases may never heal properly. In fact, up to 25% of all people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives. What is not as well known is that people with diabetes are also at risk for developing other types of sores that can be slow to heal.
These include sores on the hands, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the feet and legs. In some cases, these sores can become infected and lead to serious health problems.
If you have diabetes, it is important to take care of your skin by keeping it clean and dry.
10. Frequent infections
People with diabetes are more prone to getting frequent infections than people without diabetes. This is because people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, and high blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system.
There are a few different types of frequent infections that people with diabetes are more likely to get. The most common type of infection is a urinary tract infection. Other common infections include yeast infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections.
People with diabetes should be especially careful to keep their blood sugar levels under control in order to avoid getting frequent infections. They should also make sure to keep their immune system strong by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercises.
How can you find out if you have diabetes?
There are a few different ways that you can find out if you have diabetes. One way is to go to your doctor and have them do a blood test. This will tell you if your blood sugar levels are high enough that you have diabetes.
Another way is to take a home test kit. There are several different types of home test kits, so talk to your doctor about which one would be best for you.
A third way is to watch for the symptoms of diabetes. If you have some of the above symptoms, it’s possible that you have diabetes. If you think that you might have diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible so they can diagnose you and start treatment.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious disease that can have a negative impact on your overall health. If you think you might have diabetes, please see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the disease and preventing any long-term complications.