Diabetes Symptoms

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

You went to the doctor because you were dealing with nausea, weakness and having trouble breathing-otherwise you thought you were perfectly healthy. However, at your doctor’s visit, your physician did some blood work, and before you could blink, you received the news that would change your lifestyle—permanently. The results were in, and those problems were not a lingering stomach virus, they were actually the symptoms of type 2 Diabetes. As you sat in shock, your doctor began discussing other diabetic symptoms and you realized you had experienced other symptoms of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetic Symptoms

• Lack of energy-This tiredness is due to the body’s inability to created energy from the foods you eat.
• Weight loss-although most of us could stand to lose a few pounds, rapid unexplained weight loss is frequently a symptom of diabetes.
• Frequent urination and excessive thirst/dry mouth-This is a result of high blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia. The body attempts to remove the excess glucose which means you make multiple trips to the restroom followed by repeated thirst which results in more bathroom visits and more drinks—a vicious cycle and a Type 2 Diabetes symptom. 
• Constant hunger- Since the body is not being energized by blood glucose; it thinks you need to eat more. Unfortunately, glucose levels aren’t the cause, but the body’s inability to use the existing glucose is.
• Blurred vision-When your body has an excess amount of glucose, it is not uncommon for the glucose to build up in the eye’s fluids. The glucose pulls water with it, the eye’s outer lids become swollen and your eyesight is distorted. This diabetes symptom is quite often “discovered” at your optometrist office and then referred to your regular physician. However, don’t worry, once you begin following your diabetes diet and guidelines, your vision will return to its normal status.
• Additional diabetes symptoms are nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, weakness, numbness in the hands or feet, or frequent infections of the skin, urinary tract or vagina. More serious Type 2 Diabetes symptoms include a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis or going into a diabetic coma. These symptoms of diabetes happen when the body uses retained fat in place of glucose in order to have an energy source.
  

It is important to understand that while these are symptoms of diabetes, they do not necessarily have to be present to be diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. (There are other factors as well—weight, genetics, high blood sugar) For some Type 2 diabetics, symptoms may be quite mild, so without routine testing, one may have diabetes for years without it being discovered. Unfortunately, this undiscovered disease can result in a variety of health problems that can affect the heart, one’s blood pressure, the eyes and the kidneys.

Consequently, if you are experiencing any of the aforementioned diabetic symptoms, then it would be in your best interest to schedule a physical, complete with blood work, as soon as possible. While a diagnosis of diabetes may not be what you would want to hear, you will be far better off knowing what is causing your symptoms.

Diabetic Seniors Team

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