Most of the early signs of diabetes are known to the general public - thirst, the need for sweets, obesity... Although obesity should perhaps be included under the causes.
However, the signals that the body sends to us are numerous, especially when it comes to type 2 diabetes, and you would probably find it difficult to connect them with this dangerous disease, which is also proven by the fact that most people do not even know that they suffer from diabetes until the disease occurs. in an advanced stage.
When it comes to type 1, symptoms appear quickly - within days or weeks. They are also much heavier.
However, both types of diabetes have some of the same warning signs:
Hunger and fatigue
Your body converts the food you eat into glucose, which your cells use as energy. But cells need insulin to carry out this process. If your body doesn't produce enough insulin, glucose can't get into your cells, and you run out of energy. Because of this, people who suffer from diabetes and don't know it yet are often hungry and tired more than usual.
Frequent urination and thirst
The average person usually needs to empty their bladder between four and seven times in 24 hours, but people with diabetes have this need much more often. Why? The body absorbs glucose as it passes through your kidneys, according to WebMd.com. But when diabetes raises your blood sugar, your kidneys are unable to do their job properly, so they make more urine. Because of this, there is a need to urinate more often, and due to a greater "outflow" of fluid from the body, great thirst also occurs, in order to compensate for the lost fluid.
Dry mouth and itchy skin
Since the body expels a lot of fluid when urinating, the skin can remain dehydrated. Dryness and itching of the skin and lips occur.
Blurred vision
A change in fluid levels in your body can cause your pupils to swell, causing them to lose their ability to focus due to the change in shape.
- Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes
The following symptoms occur after blood sugar has been at a high level for a long time.
Fungal infections
Fungi feed on sugar, so it is logical that fungal infections occur more often where there is a lot of sugar. They occur in both men and women, and most often between the toes and feet, under the chest or in the intimate region.
Wounds or cuts that heal slowly
Over time, blood sugar levels can affect blood circulation and cause nerve damage, making it difficult for the body to heal even the most common cut quickly.
Pain or stiffness in the legs
This is another result of nerve damage.
- Other symptoms of type 1 diabetes
Sudden weight loss
If your body can't get energy from food, it will begin to burn stored reserves from muscle and fat, and weight loss occurs, even if you eat more than ever.
Nausea and vomiting
When your body starts burning fat, ketones are produced. They can build up in the blood to dangerous levels - a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketones can also cause pain and discomfort in the stomach.
When you should see a doctor
If you are over 45 or have other risks for developing diabetes, it is important to get tested. When the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, there are great chances to avoid the severe consequences that diabetes brings with it, such as nerve damage, heart disease and other complications.
As a general rule, you should consult a doctor when you have the following symptoms:
- nausea in the stomach, weakness and insatiable thirst - frequent urination - pain in the stomach - need for deep and rapid breathing - sweet breath reminiscent of acetone (a sign of very high ketone levels)
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