According to MedLine Plus, diabetes is a chronic disease when blood glucose levels in the body are high. In Type 2 diabetes, the body may not make or may not utilize glucose well, leading to an increase in the blood and potential problems for the long term. Over time, diabetes can lead to issues such as heart disease, stroke or damage to organs such as the eyes and kidneys. Identification of symptoms can help identify the presence of diabetes.
Thirst
According to the Mayo Clinic, a person with diabetes may hare an increase in thirst. Thirst develops with diabetes as a result of excess sugar in the blood that pulls fluids from the tissues in the body, resulting in the need to drink more. A side effect of the thirst is the need to urinate more frequently.
Increased Hunger
Insulin, which is made by the pancreas, controls sugar glucose levels in the blood. Insulin is essential in helping body cells use glucose for energy to regulate body functions. As a result of the insulin not going into the cells, the organs and the muscles in the body aren't able to get enough energy. Hunger increases as a result of low insulin levels in a diabetic.
Weight Loss
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, weight loss is a symptom of diabetes. Even with increases in food intake, weight loss may occur because a diabetic can't properly use glucose in the body and therefore uses other sources in the body for energy, such as from fat and muscle. The excess calories consumed are lost through the urine and leads to weight loss.
Skin Issues
According to the Mayo Clinic, another possible symptom of diabetes is a condition called acanthosis nigricans. Common signs are dark, velvety skin in folds of the body, such as armpits and on the neck.
Vision Issues
Blurred vision is a symptom of diabetes. Changes in blood sugar affects vision from pulling fluid from the eyes. This occurs from having a blood sugar that's too high and has an effect on helping to focus.
Fatigue
The food we eat provides glucose that feeds and regulates our bodies. Normally, insulin helps to move the glucose into the cells. If there's an intolerance to insulin or if it isn't available in the body, glucose doesn't enter into the cells. This results in fatigue.
Other Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes symptoms may or may not be present. Likewise, some may manifest and others may not. Other symptoms include slow healing sores or infections, or dry or itchy skin. Any of the symptoms may also be in the form of vomiting, nausea or stomach pains.
