Six Symptoms of Diabetes

Knowing the symptoms of diabetes can lead to an earlier diagnosis of the disease. The sooner changes to diet and lifestyle are made as well as the addition of medications to help manage diabetes, the greater chance there is of a long and healthier life.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1, in which the pancreas does not produce any insulin. This type is usually diagnosed before the age of 30. According to the Mayo Clinic, "The onset of type 1 diabetes is usually sudden (acute) and clear-cut, when a person goes to their healthcare provider or the emergency room with symptoms of high blood sugar." Type 2 is more common and is called "adult onset diabetes" as symptoms may appear gradually.

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Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell, an endocrinologist from the Mayo Clinic, states, "Almost every day people come into my office with diabetes who don't know it."

These are the top 6 symptoms of diabetes:

1. Excessive urination: This is a twofold symptom. One, the body is trying to "rid itself of unused glucose (blood sugar) through urine." Secondly, diabetes can damage nerves that control the bladder. This excessive urination is called polyuria.

2. Excessive thirst: Urination that is more frequent can lead to dehydration, which in turn leads to excessive thirst, or polydipsia.

3. Excessive hunger: Despite a healthy diet, people with diabetes may experience an increase in appetite. This polyphagia occurs because the body is not getting enough glucose from the blood into cells.

4. Extreme fatigue: Healthline reports, "Glucose is a primary source of body fuel. If you have diabetes, your body’s inability to convert glucose into energy will lead to fatigue. This can range from a general worn-down feeling to exhaustion."

5. Weight loss: Despite having an increased appetite, a symptom of diabetes can be weight loss. This occurs because as the body is not making enough insulin, it will turn to other sources of energy such as muscle and fat. In type 1 diabetes, weight loss can be dramatic. In type 2, the weight loss is gradual.

6. Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands: According to Medical News Today, this symptom of diabetes occurs because, "If there is too much sugar in your body your nerves could become damaged, as could the tiny blood vessels that feed those nerves."

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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