Diabetes can cause serious complications if it is undiscovered and left untreated. Although there are certain high risk groups, nobody can be sure they do not have it or will not develop diabetes at one point life.
There are two types of diabetes, Diabetes I and II. Each one comes with its own treatment approach and its own symptoms. Below you will find the symptoms for diabetes I and II separated by type:
Symptoms for Diabetes Type I
- Increased thirst.
- Increased hunger, especially after you already ate.
- Dry mouth.
- Frequent urination.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue, weakness and feeling tired.
- Blurred vision.
- Headaches.
- Loss of consciousness (rare).
You may not show all of the above symptoms, but if you do recognize at least some of them, you should see your doctor and get tested for diabetes. The sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it will be to make the necessary adjustments to lead a normal life style.
Symptoms of Diabetes Type II
Usually diabetes type II is more difficult to diagnose, and it generally only happens after complications occur. People with type II diabetes either do not experience symptoms, or have a gradual onset on the symptoms listed for diabetes type I. As a result, about 30% of people who have diabetes type II are not even aware of it.
There are a few other symptoms unique to type II that you should be aware of:
- Slow-healing sores or cuts.
- Itching of the skin, usually around the reproductive regions.
- Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet.
- Decreased vision.
- Impotency.
- Recurring, and frequent yeast infections.
- Recent weight gain.
- Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit and groin. These pigmentations are called acanthosis nigricans.
People who have diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, so if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and do not have another explanation for it, then you should get tested or screened by your doctor. Having just one of the symptoms generally does not indicate you are diabetic, but if you experience any one of them heavily, or in combination with other symptoms, it is probably a good time for a check-up.