Diabetes, a disease that impacts your body's levels of glucose, affects more than 20 million Americans, reports MedlinePlus. Glucose is the primary source of energy for your muscle and tissue cells. A diabetes diagnosis is an indication that your body contains too much glucose, which results in serious health risks. Knowing the warning signs of diabetes is important, and if you have the condition, it may be managed in several ways.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, which develops at any age, is the most prevalent type of diabetes and can be prevented in most cases. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, up to 95 percent of people with diabetes have been diagnosed with type 2. Warning signs of type 2 diabetes develop over time and include feelings of tiredness, the need to urinate often, unexpected weight loss and blurry vision. You may also be hungrier or more thirsty than normal, and you may find that wounds and sores take longer to heal. Other signs that you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes are having a family history of the condition or being African-American, Mexican-American or a Pacific Islander. About 80 percent of those with type 2 diabetes are overweight. MayoClinic.com reports that some people with type 2 diabetes have no warning signs.
Type 1 Diabetes
The warning signs for type 1 diabetes begin quickly, unlike the slower symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more common in childhood or adolescence, although this form of the condition can occur at any age as cells begin to deteriorate. Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes often mirror those of type 2 diabetes and include sores that don't heal properly, elevated levels of hunger, increased thirst and fatigue. Frequent infections -- often in the bladder or vagina -- are common warning signs of type 1 diabetes. Infections in the gum or skin are also indicators of the condition, as well as poor eyesight, rapid weight loss and frequent urination. You will need to take insulin daily if diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The insulin will reduce your risk of falling into a diabetic coma, which can be fatal.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes often appears in the late terms of pregnancy and disappears after delivery. However, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases to between 40 and 60 percent if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. An insulin shortage or the hormones of pregnancy cause the condition, although no warning signs may be present. Your risk for gestational diabetes is higher if you have a family history of the condition or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 lbs., according to CNN Health.
