Diabetes mellitus -- a condition of abnormal glucose metabolism -- is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to 2010 information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It affects millions of people, many of whom, are unaware of their conditions. Diagnosis is important because if diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as blindness, kidney disease, amputations, heart disease and nerve damage. Signs and symptoms indicative of this chronic disease are distinctive, but to the layperson, may go completely unnoticed or possibly mistaken as insignificant.
Hallmark Symptoms
The hallmark symptoms of diabetes mellitus are the three "polys:" polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia. Polydipsia is excessive thirst; polyuria is frequent urination and polyphagia is an excessive desire to eat. These symptoms directly extend from the pathophysiology of diabetes and are more pronounced in people with type 1 diabetes. With this type, your body does not make insulin.
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is another possible sign of diabetes. If you haven't restricted your food intake or increased your level of physical activity, but you notice significant weight loss, you should see your doctor. People with type 1 diabetes are more likely than type 2 diabetics, to present with this sign. Those with type 2 diabetes are usually overweight.
Fatigue
People with diabetes may also feel extremely tired or lack energy. This happens because your body is unable to use food as fuel or energy. After eating, your food gets converted to glucose -- the body's main energy source. Glucose needs insulin in order to be driven into your cells where it can then be used as energy. In type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin; therefore, the glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of going into your body's cells.
Frequent Infections
Frequent infections are a potential sign of type 2 diabetes. You may experience bladder infections, skin infections, and/or infections of your gums. Women with recurring yeast infections and one or more other diabetes signs or symptoms, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination or blurred vision, should request a diabetes screening test.
