According to the American Diabetic Association, more than 23.6 million people, or 7.8 percent of the population, living in the United States have diabetes, with 5.7 million undiagnosed and 56 million people suffering from pre-diabetic symptoms. Only 5 percent to 10 percent of diabetics have Type 1 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in childhood and requires insulin therapy because the body does not produce any insulin. Some women also are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which occurs around the 28th week of pregnancy. This does not mean these women had diabetes before pregnancy or will have it afterward. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes; the body either does not produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore the insulin that is produced.
Step 1
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, unusually strong thirst and/or hunger, unusual weight loss, or extreme fatigue or irritability. According to the American Diabetic Association, diabetes often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms seem common or harmless. People with type 2 diabetes often do not show any signs or symptoms. However, based on information provided by the ADA, some of the signs of type 2 diabetes can be any of the symptoms for type 1 diabetes, and/or frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, or recurring skin, gum or bladder infections. Gestational diabetes is usually detected by a doctor during routine checkups during pregnancy.
Step 2
According to FamilyDoctor.org, if any of the following criteria apply to you, consider being tested for diabetes by your family doctor: being above 45 years of age and overweight, physically inactive, with a family history of diabetes, giving birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds or you had gestational diabetes while you were pregnant, you have polycystic ovary syndrome, or you're African American, Hispanic American/Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
Step 3
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis should also be considered. This can be the first sign that someone has diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes that develops when you do not have enough insulin in your body. Your body then begins to break down fat for energy, producing toxins called ketones. The symptoms often develop quickly, possibly over 24 hours, and include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, fruity-scented breath and confusion. Even if you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have diabetic ketoacidosis, as it can be fatal if left untreated.
