Symptoms of Diabetes
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 |
Q: "What are the symptoms of diabetes? I have not been to my doctor yet but I just needed to know what some of the symptoms are before I go."
A: It's good that you want to get educated, because 20.8 million people (7% of the U.S. population) have diabetes, yet 1/3 (about 6.2 million) of them are unaware they have the disease. Often, people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all, or their only symptom is fatigue. In addition, it has been estimated that the average person with type 2 diabetes has had the disease 7 - 10 years before being diagnosed.
Warning Signs of Diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Unusual thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent infections
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
- Blurred vision
- Tingling/numbness in the hands or feet
People who are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes:
- People over age 45
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight
- People who do not exercise regularly
- People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides
- People with high blood pressure
- Certain racial and ethnic groups (African Americans, Latinos, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans)
- Women who had gestational diabetes (a form of diabetes occurring in 3 - 5 percent of all pregnancies) or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth.
If you have any of the above symptoms, or if you belong to one of the above mentioned high risk groups, please see your doctor as soon as possible to have a blood test for diabetes.
Related Links
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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