Would you recognize the most common diabetes symptoms?

Diabetes occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are too high, which can cause health issues throughout the body. Keeping an eye out for common diabetes symptoms can help you get the diagnosis and diabetes care you need.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes. Another 8.7 million U.S. adults have the disease but don’t know they have it.

High blood glucose can wreak havoc on the entire body, causing health problems ranging from slow-healing sores and high blood pressure to vision problems and nerve damage. That’s why it’s essential to be alert to signs of trouble and report any diabetes symptoms to your East Jefferson General Hospital primary care provider.

The 411 on diabetes symptoms

When diabetes develops, the first noticeable symptoms usually relate to your eating, drinking and bathroom habits. Higher-than-normal blood sugar levels can cause increased thirst and hunger and a need to urinate more frequently.

Other common diabetes symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Nonhealing or slow-healing sores
• Numbness, pain or tingling in the hands or feet
• Weight loss with no known cause

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes are similar. However, unexplainable weight loss is more common with Type 1 diabetes, and symptoms affecting the hands and feet are typical with Type 2 diabetes.

One other key difference? The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can start quite quickly, often developing over only a few weeks. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, usually develops slowly over a few years.

Understanding your diabetes risk

Wondering whether you’re at risk of developing diabetes? The two main types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2—have different causes and risk factors.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. When this happens, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, which is needed to help the body process sugar from the foods you eat. This type of diabetes appears to have a genetic or environmental cause and cannot be prevented.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. While this type of diabetes can sometimes have a genetic component, it’s often associated with lifestyle habits. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

• Being African American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander
• Being age 45 or older
• Being overweight or obese
• Being physically inactive
• Having a family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Having insulin resistance
• Having prediabetes
• History of polycystic ovary syndrome
• Smoking

Pregnancy causes some unique risk factors. Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later. Giving birth to a baby weighing 9 or more pounds also increases the risk.

What you can do to prevent diabetes

Now that you know what increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to lower that risk. Start by examining your habits closely and making changes where needed.

Lower your risk of diabetes by exercising regularly, eating a diet filled with fruits and vegetables, moderating portions, finding ways to manage stress, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Lowering your intake of added sugar, excess sodium and saturated fat can also help.

If you’re experiencing any diabetes symptoms, let your primary care provider know. If you have diabetes, medications and lifestyle adjustments can help you get your blood sugar into a healthier range.

Wondering whether you have diabetes? Talk with your provider about your symptoms, or learn more about the Diabetes Management Center at East Jefferson General Hospital.