Diabetes symptoms may show up when blood sugar levels in the body rise abnormally. Symptoms can also differ for every individual depending on the type of diabetes they are affected by.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes generally start unexpectedly and in a dramatic way. Type 1 diabetes is mostly seen in children, adolescents, and young adults. Despite this pattern, type 1 diabetes can still occur at any age. Alongside a number of other symptoms, people with type 1 diabetes may experience a rapid and sudden loss of weight.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. While it primarily appears in adults, it’s beginning to show up more in the youth. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight, being inactive, and having a family history of type 2 diabetes. Many people with type 2 diabetes don’t go through any symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms develop at a slower rate.
Most Common Symptoms of Diabetes
There are times where your symptoms can appear to be harmless. The most common symptoms of diabetes, including persistent thirst and fatigue, are subtly felt. When experienced by themselves, symptoms like these may not be anything to stress over.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, however, it is highly advised that you get in touch with your doctor about being screened for diabetes:
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- Constant thirst
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weariness
- Blurry vision
- Infections or wounds that take longer than normal to heal
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body may struggle to combat infection. This is due to the fact that bacteria can emerge when your blood sugar levels are greater than average. Women, in particular, might get frequent vaginal yeast infections or bladder infections.
High blood sugar levels can also stop your body’s capability to heal cuts and scrapes, as high blood sugar levels can leave a negative effect on your white blood cells, which are in charge of healing wounds.
What May Occur if Diabetes Goes Undetected
Although certain people with diabetes show no symptoms or only mild symptoms that seem somewhat harmless, untreated diabetes can be seriously dangerous.
If your blood sugar levels rise too high, you increase your risk of developing ketoacidosis. This is more common in those with type 1 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are not as likely to experience ketoacidosis since insulin is still being made. This acute complication can take place quickly and is deemed a medical emergency.
This condition can bring out:
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- Deep, rapid breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Flushed complexion
- Confusion
- Fruity smelling breath
- Coma
The more time you let pass, the more complications can worsen based on chronically high blood sugar levels. These include:
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- Kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Vessel damage
- Amputations, due to nerve and vessel damage
- Dental issues
- Skin issues
If you’re on medications that boost insulin levels in the body, you may be more susceptible to an acute complication known as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. With hypoglycemia, you may notice:
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- Fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Dizziness and trembling
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
Treating hypoglycemia as soon as possible is important. Speak with your doctor to learn what to do if you are at risk for hypoglycemia.
Get Your Blood Sugar Tested at Family Medical Center
At Family Medical Center in Edinburg, we can monitor your blood sugar level and help keep your health in check, whether you suffer from diabetes or not. Your safety and health are our top priority.