Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

There are numerous warning signs and symptoms indicating that you have diabetes. Several of these signs and symptoms are the same for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In both cases there is too much glucose in the blood and too little glucose in the cells. Here is a list of warning signs for diabetes:

1. Frequent urination. Are you going to the bathroom all the time? Does it feel, like you always "have to go"? If there is too little glucose in your blood, urinating becomes more frequent because your kidneys can't filter your blood anymore. They want to get extra water from your blood. This is why your bladder is full all of the time and you keep running to the bathroom. This can lead to urinary tract infections.
2. Increased thirst. As you start urinating more frequently, you also get more thirsty. You feel like you can't get enough to drink and you feel thirsty right after drinking a large cup of tea or a bottle of water. Both symptoms – increased urination and thirst are common in both types of diabetes and can be easily caused by factors other than diabetes.
3. Weight loss. You may notice sudden unexplained weight loss. Even though you eat normally, or more than usual, your body weight keeps going down and you feel hungry all the time. This symptom is more common with Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes can keep sugar from reaching your cells and can cause you to lose sugar through frequent urination. Your body starts producing energy out of muscle tissue and fat. It can feel great to lose weight and be able to eat all you can. However, before feeling overjoyed about your weight loss, consult your doctor, who can test you for diabetes.
4. Fatigue and weakness. You lose energy because your body can't use sugar any more. Any type of diabetes can cause this. If you feel weak and experience other symptoms like thirst and weight loss, you should definitely consult a doctor.
5. Blurred vision. This is another symptom of Type 1 diabetes. When your sugar level is too high, fluid may be taken from your other tissues, including your eye lenses. This can cause blurry vision. When you take proper medication for your diabetes, this symptom will go away.
6. Tingling in hands and feet. If you have too much sugar in your blood, it can cause nerve damage and make you hands and feet tingle or feel numb. In some instances, it can even cause severe pain. If you achieve a better glucose level, this problem will improve.
7. Swollen or bloody gums. Diabetes weakens the stability in your mouth and allows more germs to develop. This causes several dental problems, especially trouble with your gums. It can develop into gum infections.
8. Frequent Infections. Doctors have observed that diabetics have infections more frequently than others. Sores heal slowly and it takes more time to recover from different illnesses. Bladder and vaginal infections are common for women with diabetes. This is more common with Type 2 diabetes.