Diabetes is a very serious disease that can affect people of all ages. Regardless of your age or the age of your child, if you suspect diabetes be sure to contact you physician to schedule testing immediately. Diabetes can cause serious damage to the organs, limbs, nervous system, and eyes if it is not controlled properly. Uncontrolled severe diabetes can also result in death.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes can be fairly obvious but it can also come on subtly. The early signs and symptoms of diabetes can mock other illnesses or conditions. For instance, extreme thirst, frequent urination and profuse sweating can be symptoms of diabetes. However, these can also be symptoms or signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.

 

Recognizing the Early Signs of Diabetes?

 

The early signs of diabetes can be mellow and can mock other ailments. If you have some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and they seem to be consistent, without going away, you should be tested for diabetes.

Also, if you have intermittent symptoms that come and go frequently and the intermittent incidences have been happening regularly, you should also get tested for diabetes.

If you have more than one of the below symptoms and they are ongoing or seem to be getting worse, it is a good idea to contact your physician for diabetes testing.

It is important to remember that there are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is usually diagnosed early in life, as a child or young adult. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes and typically requires insulin injections to treat and control the condition.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, also known as adult onset or insulin resistant, usually occurs in adulthood. However, with the huge onset of childhood obesity, many young people are now getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women and is a type of insulin resistant diabetes. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition.

Diabetes Insipidus is a completely different condition that affects the body differently than diabetes mellitus does.

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?

 

There are many signs and symptoms that could be signaling you that you are suffering from diabetes The ADA (American Diabetes Association) recommends consulting your physician if you are suffering from any of these symptoms:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Constant need to  urinate
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Difficulty catching your breath
  • Increased respiratory rate
  • Increased heart rate
  • Profuse sweating
  • Breath smells like a fermenting fruit salad
  • Sweet, pungent, fruity smelling urine

 

These symptoms could be trying to warn you that you are suffering from untreated diabetes. People with diabetes can lead healthy and happy lives. These people have learned how to control their diabetes instead of letting the diabetes control them. If you have any of the above symptoms, and especially if you have more than one of the symptoms, contact your physician immediately to get tested.

 

Signs of Diabetes in Women

 

The signs of diabetes in women are the same as the signs in men or children. However, there is a diabetic condition that only affects women. This is called gestational diabetes and the condition occurs during pregnancy.

Since many of the above symptoms are normal side affects of pregnancy, it can be difficult to decipher the symptoms. Many pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes and do not even know it because they figure the signs are just pregnancy discomforts.

For this reason, all pregnant women who are receiving regular prenatal care receive gestational diabetes screenings at around 24 week’s gestation. It is imperative that you get this screening done. Gestational diabetes can be just as damaging and life threatening as any other type of diabetes. The scariest part of it is that it not only affects one life, it affects two. According to the ADA, up to 18% of pregnant women suffer from this condition. Thus, if you are symptomatic contact your prenatal care team immediately and discuss your symptoms with your physician.

As you can see, there are many signs of diabetes that can occur in the body at various stages of this disease. It is important to get tested, diagnosed and begin treatment early. Early detection and treatment are the keys to keeping diabetes under good control.

 

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