Early detection of diabetes is key to preventing the onset of complications. However, the problem is that some of the common diabetes symptoms are quite mild, so it might be difficult to even notice them in the first place.
The symptoms of diabetes are caused by higher than normal glucose levels in your blood. Around half of the people with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have the condition, and don’t get diagnosed until it’s progressed further. Symptoms can develop slowly, and those who may be at higher risk for diabetes should take care to monitor their health.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
If diabetes runs in your family, you’re overweight and not living a healthy lifestyle, have high blood pressure or heart disease, or are age 45 or older you could be more at risk for developing diabetes. It’s important to know the symptoms of diabetes so a proper diagnosis can be given as early as possible and you can start managing your condition right away. The earlier you start treatment, the better chance you have of reducing the risk for complications and long term side effects.
The most common diabetes symptoms include:
Increased feelings of tiredness. If you’re feeling tired all the time, this could be due to your body not making enough insulin or not using insulin properly. Your body converts glucose into energy, but it needs insulin to bring it in. If your body isn’t making enough insulin or is resisting what it is making, you aren’t able to get the glucose you need for energy, hence feeling fatigued often.
Frequent urination. When you have diabetes, your blood sugar is higher and your body may not be able to absorb it all. The leads to urinating more often as your body tries to get rid of the excess glucose.  When insulin is ineffective or missing altogether, your kidneys can’t filter the glucose back into the blood, so in order to dilute the glucose, the kidneys will take water from the blood which fills up your bladder.
Increased thirst. Because you are urinating more frequently, you’ll tend to get thirsty more quickly to replace lost fluids.
Extreme hunger. When insulin isn’t working properly in your blood or is missing altogether, your cells are not getting the energy they need and can react by trying to find more energy through food.
Sudden weight gain. When you’re feeling hungry all the time, you tend to eat more often to curb those feelings. Intense cravings for food can lead to making poor nutrition choices, too, which can cause you to gain weight quickly.
Slower healing. As time passes, higher glucose levels can affect your blood flow, undermining your body’s ability to heal even simple cuts and bruises in a normal amount of time.
Pain or numbing in legs and feet. Nerve damage, as well as damage to the tiny vessels feeding those nerves, caused by too much sugar in your blood can cause you to experience tingling, numbing or pain in your legs and feet. Your hands can be affected, too.
Swollen gums or gum infections. Another common diabetes symptom is to have tender, swollen or red gums. You may also often experience gum disease and other gum infections.
Blurry vision. Tissue pulling away from your eye lenses is a result of the changing fluid levels in your body, which can lead to your eyes losing the ability to focus. In severe causes, prolonged vision problems or even blindness can occur.
Itchy skin. When your body is creating excess fluids to urinate often, it can take moisture away from other systems of your body. Your skin might feel itchy and dry as you’re more apt to get dehydrated.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Often, simply making some healthy lifestyle changes can help your reduce your risk and avoid future complications.
For more information about American Senior Communities, please visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com.
