While its very easy to test for diabetes symptom , a simple blood glucose test is the determining factor, diabetes may not be easily recognized at first since so many of its symptoms are also common complaints for people who do not have diabetes. For this reason, diabetes may often go undiagnosed for a period of time before it is discovered and treated, if it is discovered in time to prevent complications.
Frequent urination, particularly at night, can also be a symptom of diabetes, but this symptom alone would not necessarily suggest the disease either. This symptom would also have to become pretty annoying and recurrent before it would prompt most people to consult a doctor.
Unexplained weight loss is another possible sign of diabetes but again, not a significant indication that the individual necessarily has diabetes. In many cases, people who want to lose weight would consider this an unexpected blessing and might not consult their doctor unless they had lost a considerable amount of weight over a period of time.
Skin infections, wounds that are slow to heal, particularly sores on the feet and ankles, and recurrent vaginal infections (in women), are signs of possible diabetes that are somewhat more likely to draw attention and result in a diagnosis.
Blurred vision and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet are also possible indicators of diabetes, and since these symptoms can be troublesome, are more likely to result in medical attention and diagnosis.
Individuals who experience several of the above-mentioned symptoms may have good reason to suspect diabetes, particularly if they are in any of the higher risk categories, and should contact their physician to request a simple blood glucose test which can either confirm or rule out diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and the symptoms are usually less severe. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all and their diabetes is only picked up in a routine medical check up. Some people may put the symptoms down to 'getting older' or 'overwork'.
Type 1 diabetes develops much more quickly, usually over a few weeks, and symptoms are normally very obvious.
In both types of diabetes, the symptoms are quickly relieved once the diabetes is treated. Early treatment will also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems.
A disease in which the body cannot convert food into energy because of a
lack of insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas), or because of an
inability to use insulin. Diabetes is a serious condition that can cause
complications ranging from numbness to loss of vision to coma. It also
significantly raises the risk for other problems, such as stroke and heart
disease. About 17 million Americans have diabetes.
A hereditary or developmental problem with sugar metabolism. Caused by a
failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin. Juvenile diabetes, or
type 1 diabetes, is treated with diet, exercise and insulin. Type 2,
formerly called adult onset, is now seen in overweight children. It is
treated with diet, exercise and medication. In severe cases, type 2 diabetes
is also treated with insulin.
A chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of glucose
(sugar) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as
insulin-dependent (type I) and non-insulin dependent (type II). Type I
diabetes results from a lack of adequate insulin secretion by the pancreas.
Type II diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes) is characterized by an
insensitivity of the tissues of the body to insulin secreted by the pancreas
(insulin resistance).
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