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Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that is generally determined by the concentration of glucose in the blood. The amount of glucose in the blood is glycemia. The Glycemic Index indicates which carbohydrates have the highest levels of concentration of sugars and starches that make it so difficult for some diabetes to digest. Most diabetics have either Type I or Type II Diabetes.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes and the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Sometimes, the symptoms of diabetes can be difficult to identify because many of the common symptoms may not be present in all cases and they can appear and then disappear again. Additionally, some of the symptoms can also occur in other medical conditions making it more puzzling.

However, there are some classic symptoms or characteristics that are unique to diabetics. Frequent urination, extreme thirst and sudden severe weight loss for no reason are some examples of classic symptoms that suggests the possibility of diabetes. But sometimes no symptoms appear in Type 2 diabetes.

One distinctive attribute of diabetes is characterized by excessive levels of blood glucose from deficiencies in insulin production. But, there are differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (a.k.a. juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes) often develops in children and young adults, whereas Type 2 diabetes (a.k.a. non insulin dependent) often develops in adulthood.

Another marked symptom of diabetes (both Type 1 and 2) is continual fatigue. Glucose is the major source of energy for our body, it powers the body’s functions from cell repair to major muscle movements. Since insulin is unable to perform its function properly by regulating the level of glucose in the bloodstream, the diabetic will feel lethargic.

Other symptom of diabetes is blurred vision. However, blurred vision can also due to aging such as presbyopia (age-related problem with near vision). It typically starts at middle age, and is due to age-related loss of elasticity of the lens. But the cause in the case of diabetes can lead to blindness. This is because higher blood sugar levels can start to damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye in the retina over time.

People with Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for the development of infection and impaired wound healing. Cuts (particularly on the feet) are slower to heal. The effect of diabetes on wound healing is not yet fully understood and continues to be a focus of further research. Diabetics need to pay special attention to their diabetes care in general as well as to the critical illness, wound, or ulcer.

Tingling or numbness in hands and feet is also a warning sign or symptom of diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1 diabetes where multiple daily injections of insulin and blood glucose tests are needed, Type 2 diabetes can often be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes. Type 2 is relatively easier to manage than Type 1 diabetes.

Since so many of these symptoms can also be produced by other medical conditions, the best thing to do in order to confirm whether you have diabetes or not, is to seek a professional help for proper diagnosis. Just a simple blood test will do the job.