Diabetes Symptoms

Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms of the onset of diabetes include:

1. weakness and fatigue
2. frequent urination
3. extreme thirst
4. unexplained weight loss with associated muscle depletion
5. tingling and numbness
6. wounds don't heal

These symptoms may develop quite fast.

Weakness and Fatigue

Glucose is extracted from food we eat. It enters the bloodstream where insulin helps transport it into the cells to produce the energy we need. If there is insufficient insulin i or if the cells don't react to it anymore, the glucose remains in the bloodstream. The cells become energy starved, resulting in feeling tired and run down.

Frequent Urination

Too much glucose in the blood, and nonexistent or ineffective insulin, results in the kidneys being unable to filter glucose back to the blood. They become distressed and attempt to draw extra water out of the blood to dilute the glucose. This results in an ever full bladder full and frequent trips to the bathroom.

Unquenchable Thirst

All the water pulled out of the blood makes your body dehydrated. This in turn leads to an increased need to drink more to replace the water that you are losing.

Losing Weight Without Trying

Weight loss is more noticeable with Type 1 diabetes.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin. This may be due to a viral attack on pancreas cells or because an autoimmune response makes the body attack the insulin producing cells. The body desperately looks for an energy source to replace the glucose in the cells. It starts to break down muscle tissue and fat for energy.

The onset of Type 2 diabetes is more gradual, with increasing insulin resistance so weight loss is not as noticeable.

Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands, Legs or Feet

Over time, consistently high blood glucose damages the nervous system, especially in the extremities. This results in tingling and numbness, referred to as neuropathy. Blood sugar may have been high for a few years before a diagnosis is made. Neuropathy can improve when tighter blood glucose control is regained.
Other Signs and Symptoms

Other Symptoms

• Blurred vision
• Dry or itchy skin
• Frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal

If you notice any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a diabetes check.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 18.3% (8.6 million) of Americans age 60 and older have diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus prevalence increases with age, and the numbers of older persons with diabetes are expected to grow as the elderly population increases in number.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) revealed that almost 18% to 20% of the population over 65 years old, have diabetes.

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