10 Signs and Symptoms That You May Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. If you have diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. This can cause high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your nerves, kidneys, heart, and eyes.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and usually occurs in adults over the age of 40. However, type 2 diabetes is on the rise in children and young adults due to obesity.

If you’re concerned that you may have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While some people with diabetes may experience all of these symptoms, others may only experience a few. Keep reading to learn about 10 signs and symptoms that you may have diabetes.

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

One of the earliest signs of diabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. When your blood sugar levels are too high, your body tries to remove the excess sugar by flushing it out through your urine. This can lead to dehydration, which can then cause you to feel thirsty. If you drink more fluids than usual or go to the bathroom more often, it could be a sign of diabetes.

2. Fatigue

If you’re feeling tired all the time, it could be a sign that your body isn’t getting the energy it needs from food. When too much sugar is in your bloodstream, your body cannot use it effectively for energy. This can lead to fatigue and tiredness.

3. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar levels can cause changes in your eyesight. If you have diabetes, you may notice that your vision is blurred or fuzzy. This is because the lens of your eye is affected by high blood sugar levels and is unable to focus properly.

4. Slow-Healing Wounds or Sores

Diabetes can affect how quickly your wounds heal. If you have diabetes, you may notice that cuts or scrapes take longer than usual to heal. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage nerve endings and make it difficult for your body to fight infection.

5. Dry Mouth or Itchy Skin

Dry mouth and itchy skin are other early signs of diabetes. When there’s too much sugar in your bloodstream, it can cause your mouth tissues to become dry and cracked. High blood sugar levels can also lead to itching and dry skin because they interfere with the ability of your skin cells to hold moisture.

6 . Weight Loss or Gain

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain can also be a sign of diabetes. When there’s too much sugar in your bloodstream, your body starts breaking down stored fat for energy, which can lead to weight loss. On the other hand, if your body isn’t able to use insulin effectively, it can cause weight gain because you start retaining water when your blood sugar levels are high. 

7 . Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet 

Numbness or tingling in hands or feet is another common symptom of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout your body, including the nerves in your hands and feet. This damage can cause numbness or tingling in these extremities. 

 8 . Frequent Infections 

If you have diabetes, you may find that you get infections more easily than people who don’t have the condition. That’s because high blood sugar levels make it harder for your body’s white blood cells — which fight infection —to work properly. As a result, you’re more susceptible to infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. 

9 . Digestive Issues 

Diabetes can also cause digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea. These problems are usually caused by diabetic ketoacidosis — a condition that occurs when there’s insufficient insulin in your body, causing ketones ( acids ) to build up in your bloodstream. 

10 . Unusual Cravings 

Unusual cravings — especially for sweet foods —can also be a sign of diabetes. When there’s too much sugar in your bloodstream causes a condition called glycosuria, which causes sweet-smelling urine. This condition can also lead to excessive thirst, which can then cause cravings for sugary foods or drinks.  

Conclusion 

These are just some of the signs and symptoms that you may have diabetes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so that they can perform a test to check for glucose in your urine or order a fasting plasma glucose test ( FPGT ). 

A positive result on either of these tests indicates that you have diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. 

So if you’re concerned that you may have diabetes, don’t wait — get tested today!