Symptoms that you may be developing diabetes
There are several signs and symptoms that indicate a person may have either pre-diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. These are the most common symptoms of diabetes to be on the lookout for.
Polyuria (Increased Urination)
Polyuria is defined as passing more than three liters (a little over 12.5 cups) of urine per day. This may lead to frequent urination during the day.
Polydipsia (Increased Thirst)
Feeling thirsty and drinking much more than usual. Would you say you drink all day, or that you have an unquenchable thirst? This can also be caused by high glucose levels. If you are urinating more because of these higher levels, you can become dehydrated and feel the need to drink more.
Polyphagia (Increased Hunger) with weight loss
Are you ravenous, eating a large amount of food and yet losing weight? Your body may not have enough insulin or the insulin you make is not effective to regulate blood glucose. Insulin is needed by muscle and fat cells to promote glucose uptake into the cells. The individual is hungry and eats more, the blood glucose levels get higher and the calories don’t get used by the body and get partially eliminated in the urine. This is sometimes referred to as: “starving in the land of plenty”.
Weakness and Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired or rundown? Do you find that all you want to do is sleep? If, as a result of diabetes, insulin is not present, or your body cannot use it efficiently, then your body cannot utilize the glucose to generate the energy you need to function properly.
Blurred Vision
Changing vision, blurry vision. When you read a newspaper, a sign, or a book, do the letters seem fuzzy? High blood sugar can cause the lens on the eye to swell which affects vision. This change may be corrected over time by controlling blood glucose. It is important to inform your doctor of a vision change.
Tingling or Numbness
Pins and needles, tingling and numbness in your hands and feet. You may also have loss or decreased sensation in feet and toes. These may be symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. High levels of glucose in your blood can harm your nervous system especially in your hands and feet. This damage can sometimes be decreased or even eliminated by getting blood glucose under control.
Sores that do not heal
Diabetes can cause decreased blood flow especially to the hands and feet. Pair this with decreased sensation and this can lead to a major wound, ulcer or even amputation especially if the wound gets infected. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes and notice a wound is slow to heal or if you have diabetes and even have a small wound, it is advised to seek medical treatment.
Infections
High blood glucose provides nutrition for infections to develop and flourish. People with uncontrolled diabetes have more infections especially respiratory, urinary tract, gastrointestinal, liver, skin and head and neck.
Dry, Itchy, or Scaly Skin
Drier than normal, itchy or scaly skin. Do you notice scaly patches or constant itching? This can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin or circulatory problems. Scratching the itch and breaking skin can lead to other types of infection.
Irritability
Are you having more irritability or mood swings? Acute hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can affect cognitive function and mood.
Early intervention has the best outcome for managing diabetes. Advanced age and falling in the overweight and obese category of bodyweight also increases diabetes risk. If you are displaying any of the symptoms for diabetes call your physician as soon as possible and report your findings. Ask if you should be checked for pre-diabetes or diabetes.
