10 Must-Know Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the body produces too much or too little blood sugar. There is no cure for diabetes, and certain cases can be lethal.

While the prognosis of diabetes won’t look the same for everyone, there are tell-tale signs that signify you should contact your doctor. Some signs of diabetes include the following…

10. Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is one of the most common and early diabetes symptoms. Moreover, people with increased urination often experience increased thirst and dry mouth.

Of course, increased urination and thirst aren’t the only common symptoms of diabetes. In fact, if you keep reaching for snacks but your waistband is somehow looser, it might be time to schedule a doctor’s appointment…

9. Increased Hunger & Potential Weight Loss

Polyphagia, or increased hunger, is another common prediabetes symptom. It all starts with glucose, which the body uses to feed cells. When this system is disrupted, the cells are unable to absorb blood sugar. This inability means the body has to constantly look for alternative energy sources. Its next go-to source of fuel is food, so, the body ups your appetite in the hopes of getting the energy it needs to function.

Overeating has numerous other causes. Stress and depression, for example, are two health conditions that may cause increased hunger and appetite. If you experience increased hunger now and again, it’s probably not a cause for concern, unless it’s combined with other signs of diabetes.

The next common symptom of diabetes will make it harder to see…

8. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision may be a sign of diabetes, specifically it is due to an increase in blood sugar levels and if it happens quickly.

Prolonged high blood sugar levels are dangerous. You certainly do not want to regret the decision to ignore blurred vision and experience further complications down the line. These complications can be quite serious. In fact, blindness is a potential result of untreated blurred vision caused by diabetes.

Even if eyesight worsens, this next symptom is hard to miss…

7. Dark Patches of Skin

Dark patches of skin on the back of the neck, under the armpits, groin, or other areas of the body are oftentimes indicators of diabetes or another health condition. This problem occurs when there is excess insulin in the blood. It is most common among people with type 2 diabetes, although it can be a symptom of other types of diabetes as well.

Hard, thickening skin may also occur. It’s common on the fingers, toes, or both, as well as the neck, feet, or legs. It’s especially common in untreated diabetes that’s not been managed for many years.

Hardening skin is no fun. Unfortunately, it isn’t all that results from long-term lack of diabetes treatment…

6. Slow-Healing Cuts and Sores

Slow-healing cuts and sores occur as a result of poor blood circulation. Specifically, blood that needs to reach the skin to heal cuts and sores cannot do so as quickly, which reduces healing time.

Slow-healing cuts and sores caused by diabetes may take weeks or months to heal. This period leaves the afflicted individual susceptible to numerous skin conditions, including bacterial and fungal infections.

The following symptom has little to do with your skin and more to do with your mind…

5. Mood Swings

Many people do not realize that diabetes causes mental symptoms, especially mood swings. While it’s true that mood swings have many causes, there is cause for concern when they are paired with other diabetes signs.

Diabetic mood swings are the result of spiked blood sugar levels, and usually, anxiety occurs. Conversely, when blood sugar levels decline, depression or irritability may occur.

As far as energy goes, this next symptom will make you feel pretty tired…

4. Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue that never seems to go away is a cause for concern. Diabetes is one of several conditions that may cause a person to feel tired all of the time, due to fluctuating blood sugar levels in the pancreas. Complications associated with diabetes can also cause a person to feel fatigued.

Keep in mind that being tired is much different than being fatigued. If you sleep and wake up refreshed and re-energized, you are probably just tired. If you don’t wake up refreshed, then fatigue is most likely the culprit.

Feeling pins and needles is yet another common sign of diabetes…

3. Diabetic Neuropathy: Tingling, Numbness, and/or Pain in the Extremities

Diabetic neuropathy, which typically happens years after someone develops diabetes, makes it difficult to handle daily tasks. It most often occurs in type 2 diabetics and feels like tingling in the hands.

Many people who experience these sensations also complain of other symptoms, including pain, trouble holding items, and difficulty walking.

The following symptom can feel extremely uncomfortable…

2. Itchy Skin

A sign that your dry skin issue is problematic is when it does not improve with typical treatments. Furthermore, itchy skin can be the result of dry skin, yeast or fungal infection, or diabetes. Localized itchy skin, though, is most problematic for diabetes sufferers.

Having issues with internal itchiness could be yet another sign that diabetes is at play…

1. Yeast Infections

Uncontrolled diabetes oftentimes leads to an increase in the body’s yeast production. And when there is too much yeast, there is a problem. A very itchy, uncomfortable problem. Yeast infections alone do not signify diabetes, but they are still a common indicator of other health complications.

Now that you’re aware of some of the most common signs of diabetes, what can you do about treatment?…

Keep Diabetes in Check: Know the Signs and Symptoms

Early diabetes detection can jumpstart treatment, which is why it’s so important to known the signs. If you are at all concerned you might have diabetes or prediabetes, it’s critical to contact your doctor right away. Treatment options are available, and they can help you determine the best one for your personal needs.

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