When we eat, our body takes the food we've ingested and breaks it down into glucose and the other nutrients it needs to survive. Naturally, our glucose levels rise after we eat. This signals the pancreas to produce more insulin. People who have diabetes can't produce insulin or can't properly use it.
But, how are you supposed to know if you aren't producing insulin? It's not like you can call down to your pancreas and say "hey, everything good in there" and it will magically call back "yep, we're good... just busy producing insulin."
The best thing you can do is know what to look for. But, keep in mind that symptoms of diabetes aren't always obvious. There aren't always red flags. Sometimes symptoms can take a really long time to develop. Sometimes there aren't any symptoms. (I know, that's not what you want to hear.) Also important to know is that just because you may have some (or all) of these symptoms doesn't mean you actually have diabetes. But, it's better to be safe than sorry, so if you have two or more symptoms, take a minute to call your doctor or an endocrinologist and talk about your concerns. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the greater your chances are of beating it.
Frequent Urination
The porcelain thrown has recently become your best friend? That's probably because your body doesn't like these high levels of glucose in your bloodstream. So, in an effort to flush out the excess sugar, your kidneys start working overtime. And, overworking kidneys are a sure way to keep you running for the restroom.
Increased Thirst
This probably has something to do with your frequent restroom visits. To help rid your blood of the excess glucose, your kidneys are pulling water from your bloodstream. The water helps to dilute the glucose and flush it out in your urine. But, because you are constantly losing water, you are thirstier than normal. It's your body's way of telling you it needs more H2O.
Intense Hunger
Your cells aren't getting the energy they need from your food. (Remember, the glucose can't get into the cells without insulin and your body isn't using insulin properly right now.) As a result, your body is screaming "feed me!' It just needs more energy.
Weight Gain
Your pants feeling a bit snug today? This is likely a result of the 'intense hunger' we talked about above. Intense huger = eating more food = extra calories = weight gain. Sorry.
Extreme Weight Loss
This is more noticeable in patients with Type 1 Diabetes because it has more of a sudden onset. Because your body isn't producing insulin, your cells aren't getting the nutrients they need to survive. So, your body streets to break down your muscle and fat cells to get the energy it needs. This causes you to lose weight.
Fatigue
Simply stated, your body isn't getting the energy it needs to survive.
Irritability
Most people get cranky when they are tired, hungry, thirsty and gaining weight.
Infections
The more sugar you have hanging around in your bloodstream, the harder it is for your body to heal from infections. Diabetics are more prone to suffering from frequent skin, gum, bladder and yeast infections.
Itchy Skin
We don't know for sure why, but sometimes itchy skin is a symptom of diabetes.
Unhealed Cuts
If your cuts and bruises are taking longer to heal than usual it may be a result of diabetes. Having a lot of sugar in your blood makes it harder for your body to heal itself.
On their own, these symptoms are harmless - which is probably why many people are completely clueless that they have diabetes. However, if diabetes goes untreated, it can lead to some very serious health conditions including stroke and heart disease.
Your doctor can usually tell if you have diabetes from a simple urine test. All the doctor needs to know is if there is extra sugar in your urine. Following a positive urine test, the doctor can perform a blood test to confirm the diabetes. It's not worth the risk. If you think you have some of the symptoms of diabetes, call your doctor and schedule an appointment today.
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