Early Symptoms Diabetes Warning signs & what to look for
The early symptoms of diabetes totally depend of course on which type you have. Here we'll focus on the early symptoms of diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 and gestational diabetes, because they are the most common types
Be alert
In the early stages there are just a few diabetes symptoms, or they look like symptoms of other health conditions. This may turn your attention in a different direction but always be aware of this possibility
You also have to be very aware that in the beginning a lot of people with type 2 diabetes have no type 2 diabetes symptoms yet. In time they will get symptoms of some of the complications of diabetes like kidney and foot problems
Early symptoms diabetes, type 1 & 2 differences
The Symptoms of juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes are basically very similar to adult diabetes or type 2 diabetes. The difference is that the development of type 2 diabetes symptoms is normally slow and can take many years
But symptoms of type 1 diabetes progress fast over weeks or months. Sometimes it can go so fast that a child will get medical treatment only after an emergency situation has occurred like a coma. we don't want you to get into a panic immediately, this is just an extreme example of what might happen. But you should be aware of the possibility
Early symptoms diabetes
The Early symptoms of diabetes usually start mild with:
Skin rashes (that don't heal quickly)
Dry skin that itches
Athlete's foot
Foot or hand Tingling
Foot or hand numbness
Blurred vision
Poor healing in general
Gaining and losing weight
Skin boils and ulcers
Candida
Thrush
Development of early symptoms diabetes
Slowly when the blood sugar level rises these early symptoms of diabetes will grow into more serious conditions and symptoms
Like we already said the symptoms of type 1 diabetes are basically very similar to the type 2 diabetes symptoms. The symptoms associated more closely with type 1 diabetes are listed in blue
(More serious) Diabetes Symptoms
Excessive thirst
Abdominal Pain
Absence of menstruation
Unusual weight loss (despite a growing hunger)
Weakness, Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Increased pulse rate
Sleepiness
Itching or infections (especially around the genital area)
Need to urinate often
Severe blurry vision
Infections, cuts and bruises which heal slowly
Sexual impotence or Erectile failure
Sweet smelling breath
Sweet smelling urine
Muscle aches and cramps
Irritability
Extreme hunger
Headaches
Acne
Bed wetting (in children)
Dry mouth
Leg pain
Dehydration
Extreme hunger
Heads up!
If you are in a risk category and/or you notice any of the signs above or a combination of them, schedule an appointment with your doctor. With blood tests he will be able to tell you if you have Diabetes
Only in 40% of the diabetes patients these symptoms of diabetes are observed. Again especially in the beginning of the disease, there might be no symptoms and diabetes is diagnosed by accident or because of complications from another condition
Signs of gestational diabetes
Usually there are no signs or symptoms of gestational diabetes, or the symptoms are a mild variation of the ones for type 1 or type 2 diabetes
What is normal and what is a high blood sugar level?
For those who are already checking their blood sugar levels, there are no clear cut criteria but the next are considered as general guidelines. One way to test it is by a fasting glucose test, where you're not allowed to eat and drink 8 hours before the test. The results here are for a random glucose test, that is without fasting
•Very high blood sugar:
over 350 mg/dl
Relax, drink a lot of water, take medication if necessary, and if it doesn't lower contact your doctor or health care team
•High blood sugar:
200–350 mg/dl
Suggests type 1 or type 2 diabetes
•Elevated blood sugar:
140–200 mg/dl
Might suggest prediabetes
•Normal blood sugar:
65–140 mg/dl
Normal
What causes diabetes?
After these signs and symptoms we're going to take a look at what causes diabetes to see if your circumstances fit the description. And if so how you can try to keep this disease at bay