Diabetes Symptoms and SignsDiabetes symptoms and signs are similar for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For both, there is too much glucose in the blood and not enough in the cells in your body. In type 1, high glucose levels are due to a lack of insulin because the insulin producing cells have been destroyed. In type 2, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin that has been produced. Regardless with type 1 or 2, your cells aren’t getting the glucose that they need. Diabetes symptoms and signs your body gives and lets you know something is wrong are: • Losing weight without trying – Some diabetes symptoms (opens new window), such as weight loss, is more noticeable with type 1. In type 1, the body desperately looks for an energy source because cells are not getting glucose. It starts to break down muscle tissue and fat for energy. Type 2 tends to happen gradually with increasing insulin resistance so weight loss is not as noticeable. • Excessive thirst and frequent urination – If you can’t get enough water and you’re drinking more than usual; it could be a sign of diabetes. Excess sugar builds up in your blood stream; fluid is pulled from your tissue. This may cause you to be thirsty, drink more and urinate more often. Without insulin or its ineffectiveness, the kidneys can’t filter glucose back to the blood. They become overwhelmed and try to draw extra water out of the blood to dilute the glucose. This keeps your bladder full and keeps you constantly in the bathroom. • Weakness and fatigue – Glucose from the foods we eat travels into the bloodstream where insulin is “supposed” to help it transition into the cells of your body. The cells use it to produce the energy we need to live off. When the insulin is not there or the cells don’t react anymore, then the glucose stays outside the cells in the bloodstream. The cells in turn become energy deprived of sugar and you feel tired and weak. • Extreme hunger – Without insulin to move sugar into your cells, muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger that can go on even after you eat. • Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet – This may slowly occur over time as high glucose in the blood damage the nervous system, mainly the extremities. Type 2 diabetes, takes longer and people usually are not aware they have it. If you’re not careful, nerve damage can creep up on you without your knowledge. • Blurred vision – Fluids are pulled from your tissues, including the lens in your eyes. This may affect your ability to focus if your blood sugar level is too high. • Dry or itchy skin, infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal are also diabetes symptoms and are a sign that something is wrong. If this happens it’s usually a sign associated with diabetes and the result of high glucose levels in the body. If you notice any of these signs please schedule an appointment with your doctor. • Some people, who have type 2, have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies. This generally happens in the armpits and neck. This can be a sign of insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes symptoms may seem harmless and overlooked at first. As a matter of fact, you can have this condition for years and not even know it. So please make sure you get regular check ups regardless if you feel you have either type 1 or 2 diabetes.
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