What Are Some Signs Of Diabetes

Can Diabetes Be Cured

Diabetes cannot be completely cured as it is a chronic disease however, it can be well-controlled by managing the symptoms. Hence, prevention is one of the ideal options in the management of the disease.

• Lead a healthy lifestyle by reducing weight
• Ensure a balanced diet with proper nutrition
• Avoid junk foods or extremely fatty foods
• Exercise daily for 30-40 minutes
• Limit the intake of alcohol and refrain from tobacco
• Increasing the intake of some essential minerals such as magnesium has shown to decrease the risk of diabetes
• Monitor the blood sugar level from time to time
• Be careful about your annual eye check-ups

Youre Making More Trips To The Bathroom

Having to go to the bathroom more than normal, particularly at night, is a sign that your blood sugar might be out of whack. For example, Dr. Pantalone says one of his patients came in for a diagnosis after a family member noticed he was using the bathroom during each commercial break when they watched TV.

What Are The First Signs Of Diabetes

There are close to 34 million diabetics in the USA or about 10% of the population. In addition, there are countless millions with prediabetes who have not been diagnosed yet. What are the causes of diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious lifelong disorder, which, if not well managed, can lead to life and limb-threatening complications. Diabetes is a disorder that can creep up at any time and it is important to know the early signs of the disease. If you have a family history of diabetes or have risk factors for diabetes, here are some of the first signs of diabetes that you need to watch for.

Recommended Reading: Is Stevia Safe For Diabetics

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

You may be high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are overweight or obese
• Were previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes, depression, or polycystic ovary syndrome
• You gave birth to a baby that weighed nine or more pounds.

If you are Black, Hispanic, Native American, Latino, or Asian, you are at a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

Open Sores And Wounds

Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. You may have developed these if youve had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time.

Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for your body to heal wounds. This is especially true on the feet. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers.

Diabetes and feet

• Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
• Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.

You May Like: What Sugar Substitute Can Diabetics Use

Signs Of Diabetes Most People Ignore

Diabetes mellitus is not a single disorder but a group of metabolic conditions that involve high blood sugar levels or blood glucose over unusually long periods. Approximately 463 million people, or 8.8% of the worlds adults, have type 2 diabetes as of 2019. Detecting signs of diabetes can ensure you dont face numerous potential complications.

There are three primary kinds of diabetes. The first is type 1 diabetes, when the pancreas loses beta cells and does not produce sufficient insulin for the bodys use. This is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in adolescence. The second is type 2 diabetes, which occurs due to lack of exercise and excessive body weight, among other metabolic factors. This kind of diabetes starts with insulin resistance, where the body fails to respond correctly to glucose and insulin. The third type is gestational diabetes, a temporary form during pregnancy.

The hormone insulin is used by the body to take the glucose from food and supply it to cells in the body, where it will be used as energy. When the body fails to do this correctly, multiple complications can occur. This is why diabetes, untreated, can be very dangerous and even lead to death.

How Is Diabetes Treated

Diabetes can be treated in several ways. Diet, physical activity, and careful monitoring are important if you have diabetes, no matter which type of diabetes you have.

If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin for the rest of your life. Thats because your pancreas doesnt produce the insulin your body needs.

If you have type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to control your diabetes with lifestyle changes, such as diet, weight loss, and exercise. You may also need to take oral or injectable medications, including insulin or metformin, to manage your blood sugar levels.

If you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, youll need to carefully track your diet to prevent your blood sugar levels from getting too high. This generally means watching your carbohydrate intake as well as limiting over-processed, low fiber foods, such as:

• fruit-flavored yogurt
• flavored coffee drinks

Your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan to help you control your blood sugar levels.

Also Check: Just Found Out I Have Diabetes

Diabetes: 12 Warning Signs That Appear On Your Skin

Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin. When diabetes affects the skin, its often a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. This could mean that:

• You have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes

• Your treatment for diabetes needs to be adjusted

If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, its time to talk with your doctor.

How Diabetes Is Different In Women Than In Men

For both men and women, diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk for complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations, in both men and women. However, there are some differences among women. As women tend to be diagnosed at higher BMIs than men, signs of diabetes in women with a BMI over 24 should be investigated. Check your BMI if you’re unsure what it is.

You May Like: Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Youre Developing Blisters Dryness Or Other Skin Changes

Small pieces of extra skin, called skin tags, may form in the creases of skin, especially if you have diabetes and youre trying to find ways to manage your weight, notes the ADA. Dark, thick areas of soft skin may form on the back of the neck or hands, armpits, face, or other areas. These can be a sign of insulin resistance, Zanini says. Blisters, infections, dryness, itchiness, discolorations, and abnormalities of the skin can all be warning signs of high blood sugar. Check with your doctor if these skin changes develop.

How To Lower Your Risk

Good habits go a long way toward preventing the other health problems that diabetes can cause. Make these tips part of your regular health routine:

Keep tight control of your blood sugar. Itâs the best way to avoid diabetes complications. Your levels should stay in these healthy ranges as much as possible:

• Between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals
• Less than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after you start a meal
• Glycated hemoglobin or A1C level around 7%

Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol. If theyâre too high, youâre more likely to get other health problems like heart disease. Try to keep your BP below 140/90 and your total cholesterol at or below 200. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you do that.

Get regular checkups. Your doctor can check your blood, urine, and do other tests to spot any problems. These visits are especially important, since many diabetes complications donât have clear warning signs.

Donât smoke. Lighting up harms your blood flow and raises blood pressure. If you need help to quit, your doctor can recommend treatments that might work for you.

Protect your eyes. Get a yearly eye exam. Your doctor can look for damage or diseases.

Show Sources

You May Like: Contour Next One Blood Glucose Meter

Why Should You Choose Ucf To Help With Your Diabetes Needs

UCF Health Services are expansive and include the treatment of endocrine disorders. Regardless of the type of diabetes you may be experiencing, our expert doctors can help get you back to optimal health. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, Orlando Endocrinology Services have vast experience in caring for patients with diabetes or other endocrine disorders.

Endocrinology experts at UCF Health spend years studying the bodys delicate endocrine system. They have seen a variety of patients from all walks of life and work with a team of other knowledgeable medical professionals to ensure each patient receives robust, correct health care. Disorders of the pituitary gland are no joke and can severely affect ones quality of life.

To discuss insurance coverage or make an appointment, visit our patient portal today. We make it easy to get our patients the health care access they need.

Outbreak Of Small Reddish

When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though.

Eruptive-xanthomatosis

These bumps appear suddenly and clear promptly when diabetes is well-controlled.

When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though. No matter where they form, they are usually tender and itchy. The medical name for this skin condition is eruptive xanthomatosis.

Take action

• Tell your doctor about the bumps because this skin condition appears when you have uncontrolled diabetes.
• Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes.

Also Check: What Age Can You Get Type 2 Diabetes

Lifestyle Changes To Avoid Diabetes

Early symptoms are not a death sentence, particularly in the case of type 2 diabetes. Paying attention to early symptoms of diabetes can allow you to make lifestyle changes before you begin suffering from some of the more serious complications of diabetes.

If you have a family history of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, heart disease, and other such health problems, you may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Paying attention to early symptoms, and talking to your healthcare provider can help you take action to support your own wellness and avoid some of the more frightening consequences of diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy, heart disease, and vision loss .

What Are The Symptoms Seen In The Later Stages Of Both Types Of Diabetes

There are some typical symptoms, which can be seen in the latter stages of both types of diabetes.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition in which the ketone levels in the body increases to a dangerous level.

Symptoms which appear in the later stage of type 2 diabetes include:

• Yeast infections between fingers and toes, under breasts, and around reproductive organs.
• Delayed wound healing
• Pain or numbness in feet and legs

In diabetes, blood sugar level may drop abnormally due to antidiabetic medications, or mismatch of food or exercise, which is known as hypoglycemia. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Numbness or tingling in lips, tongue or cheeks

Recommended Reading: Safe Foods For Type 2 Diabetes

Screening Test For Diabetes

A person of Asian origin aged 35 yr or more with two or more of the above risk factors, should undergo a screening test for diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test is commonly used as the screening test10. Fasting and 2 h post glucose tests can identify impaired fasting glucose , impaired glucose tolerance and presence of diabetes . If a random blood glucose value is > 150 mg/dl, further confirmation by an OGTT is warranted. Recently, glycosylated haemoglobin has been recommended as the test for diagnosis of diabetes . Presence of pre-diabetes is indicated by HbA1c values between 5.7 – 6.4 per cent11.

Screening for undiagnosed T2DM is recommended at the first prenatal visit in women with above risk factors, using standard diagnostic method criteria. Screening for gestational diabetes at 24-28 wk of gestation is recommended in women who do not have previous history of diabetes, as GDM remains asymptomatic11. A history of GDM carries a high risk for developing diabetes.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

A fasting plasma glucose test requires fasting for eight hours before the test.

You will have your blood drawn for this test. Then the plasma is combined with other substances to determine the amount of glucose in the plasma. Blood glucose is measure in milligrams per deciliter .

This chart contains the FPG tests blood glucose ranges for prediabetes and diabetes, and describes what each diagnosis means:

You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Diabetes Stomach Fat

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

You’ll be given a special sweetened drink prior to this blood test. A test result of 11.1 mmol/L or greater taken two hours after having the sweet drink indicates diabetes.

A second test must be done in all cases . Once diabetes has been diagnosed, ask your doctor to refer you for diabetes education. Diabetes Canada also has many resources to help you understand diabetes better and live a long and healthy life. Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and managing the disease is not easy. But it is important to know that you can live a long and healthy life by taking a number of steps including keeping your blood sugar levels in target range.

Regular Testing Can Put You In The Know

Often, what happens is people minimize the symptoms or rationalize them and they get worse until they become severe enough that they have to see someone, Dr. Pantalone says. They have excessive weight loss or are really tired of peeing all night.

Because symptoms of diabetes are often subtle or nonexistent, especially around the onset, its important to see your doctor regularly for a checkup and testing. This is a must if youre overweight or have risk factors if diabetes runs in your family, for instance.

Risk factors include:

• Being overweight.
• Being 45-years-old or older.
• If youre African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
• Living with high blood pressure.
• Having low HDL cholesterol, or a high level of triglycerides.
• Having a history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
• Not being physically active.
• Having a history of heart disease, stroke, depression or polycystic ovary syndrome .

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for Type 2 diabetes if youre between the ages of 40 and 70. If results are normal, you should repeat the testing every three years. If you have a risk factor, the task force recommends beginning screening at a younger age and testing more frequently.

Read Also: Is Simvastatin Used For Diabetes

Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes Can Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Or Complications Of Diabetes

Diabetes signs in women are important because they indicate that blood sugar levels are higher than target levels. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 16.2 million American women, or 12%, have diabetes. The rate is about twice that high among adults 65 years and older.

Another 33.7% of women over 18 years old have prediabetes. Other terms for prediabetes include borderline diabetes and having insulin resistance. With prediabetes, lifestyle changes can help reverse insulin resistance or prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Once you have type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage blood sugar and lower the risk for complications.

Diabetes signs in women are even more important when you consider the following information.

• Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes if you have prediabetes, but fewer than 1 in 5 women with prediabetes know that they have it, likely because there are usually no symptoms of prediabetes.
• Self-management of diabetes can help prevent complications, but more than 1 in 5 women with diabetes do not know that they have it.
• Recognizing the symptoms of prediabetes and diabetes in women can help catch it earlier, and using programs such as Lark Diabetes Prevention Program or Lark for Diabetes can help you make effective dietary and other healthy behavior choices to lower blood sugar and prevent complications.

How To Know If You Have Type 2 Diabetes

You can find out if you have Type 2 Diabetes by asking your physician for a simple blood test. If you test positive, the disease can be managed successfully by maintaining a healthy weight, following a recommended diet, exercising regularly and sleeping sufficiently.

Advantage Care Health Centers offers routine blood tests, annual physical exams and other preventive health services at our two locations in Brookville and Freeport. Schedule an appointment during National Diabetes Month to learn more.

Also Check: Kidney Function Test For Diabetes