In the United States alone, more than 6 million people don't recognize diabetes symptoms, making them unaware that they have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is a disease in which the body allows excess sugar to build up in your blood. Over time, this excess sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, may cause complications such as complicated wound healing, heart and kidney disease, and retinopathy of the eyes. There are some signs and symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of so you can start a treatment plan early to avoid serious diabetes complications.
Frequent Thirst, Urination and Hunger
You may experience frequent thirst, urination and hunger when suffering from diabetes. These side effects may be present but go unnoticed for months or years. The excess sugar from your body is excreted into your urine, which causes frequent urination. This may lead to dehydration, which is the reason for experiencing an increase in thirst. As you drink more, you will urinate more frequently. Your increased blood sugar levels can cause a severe increase in hunger. You may notice that you are eating much more then usual. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your health care provider, who will check your blood sugar using a simple finger prick test.
Blurred Vision
High levels of blood sugar pull fluid from your tissues, including the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus, reports Mayo Clinic. This symptom should be addressed immediately. If untreated, it can cause the growth of new blood vessels to form within a part of your eye called the retina. Over time, retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss and possible blindness. Usually by the time someone experiences visual changes related to diabetes, they have had the illness for quite some time.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes. It may be related to dehydration and increased urination. You may notice that you feel more tired and sleepy than usual.
Delayed Wound Healing and Increased Infections
Many people become diagnosed with diabetes after a small wound will not heal correctly. According to Mayo Clinic, it may be that high levels of blood sugar impair your body's natural healing process and your ability to fight infections. These wounds may become infected and require treatment from a wound care professional. If left untreated, the tissue surrounding the wound may die and the affected area may require surgery or amputation. Some women may notice an increase in urinary tract and vaginal yeast infections when ill with diabetes. If you have frequent urinary tract or vaginal infections, ask your health care provider to test you for diabetes.
