Symptoms of Diabetes
Some people might have diabetes without symptoms or have it so mild it goes unnoticed. However the following symptoms are typical in those who experience symptoms.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.
Learn about what your blood sugar should be or take our Risk Test to find out if you are at increased risk for having type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Risk Assessment Test. See more about preventing diabetes.
Complications of Diabetes
Optimally managing diabetes is necessary to prevent or at least delay the complications of diabetes. Diabetes complications are divided into microvascular (due to damage to small blood vessels) and macrovascular (due to damage to larger blood vessels).
Microvascular complications include damage to:
- eyes (retinopathy) leading to blindness
- kidneys (nephropathy) leading to renal failure
- nerves (neuropathy) leading to impotence and
- diabetic foot disorders (which include severe infections leading to amputation).
Macrovascular complications include cardiovascular diseases such as:
- heart attacks
- strokes and
- insufficiency in blood flow to legs.
There is evidence from large randomized-controlled trials that good metabolic control in both type 1 and 2 diabetes can delay the onset and progression of these complications.
Learn all the basics you need to know to effectively manage your diabetes from our book, Your Diabetes Handbook
