Recognizing Early Signs Of Diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the result of too much glucose in the blood due to the body’s inability to process the sugar. Symptoms of both of these types of diabetes are very similar. They include:
Frequent Urination
Urination becomes more frequent when there is too much glucose in the blood. If there is no insulin, or the levels are too low, the kidneys can?t filter glucose back to the blood. They will then try to extract water out of the blood to dilute the glucose. This results in a full bladder and makes for frequent urination.
Excessive Thirst
This goes along with frequent urination. Because the body is extracting more water out of the blood to dilute the glucose, this results in dehydration and makes you thirsty all the time. Another cause of dehydration is the frequent urination, also making you thirstier.
Unexplainable Weight Loss
Although this symptom can be present in both types of diabetes, it is more common with Type 1. In Type 1, the pancreas doesn?t make insulin or the autoimmune system destroys the insulin producing cells. The body then needs to find a source of energy because it doesn?t have the glucose needed for fuel. The body will then start to break down fat and muscle tissue and use that for energy.
Weakness and/or Fatigue
In a healthy person, glucose is obtained from the food that is eaten. The glucose goes into the bloodstream where insulin will help transition it to into the cells of the body. This does not happen in a diabetic because the insulin is not there or is almost non-existent. The glucose then stays outside of the bloodstream and the cells have no source of energy. This leaves the person feeling weak or tired.
Tingling or Numbness in the Hands and/or Feet
This symptom is called neuropathy. This will be a gradual occurrence as high glucose levels in the blood damages the nervous system, particularly in the hands and feet. Neuropathy has a good chance of improving when blood glucose control is achieved.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms that can occur from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are blurred vision, itchy or dry skin, frequent infections, cuts and wounds that take a long time heal. These symptoms, when associated with diabetes, are the result of high glucose levels in the body. If you or someone you know experiences any of the above signs on a regular or frequent basis, it?s important to seek medical attention right away.
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