7 little-known symptoms of diabetes

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Diabetes is a life-changing disease, usually lifelong, that causes blood sugar levels to become too high.

“Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 – accounting for about 90 percent of cases. It is usually caused by factors such as being overweight and not exercising enough, although it can also be hereditary,” says the doctor.

It is not known exactly what causes type 1 diabetes, but it occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. If you have diabetes, it is important to be diagnosed as soon as possible so that you can receive the necessary treatment and prevent your condition from getting worse.

As with other diseases, some symptoms of diabetes are more well-known than others.

The doctor talked about the signs of diabetes to watch out for. She explained that early symptoms of diabetes to look out for include: increased frequency of urination (excessive urination), especially at night, increased thirst, weight loss (without effort), and feeling hungrier than usual.

The doctor also listed “obvious” signs, such as fatigue, slow-healing wounds or cuts, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

She shared seven “lesser-known” signs:

• Increased yeast infections/urinary tract infections.
• Mood swings
• Dry skin/skin changes
• Fruity breath
• Blurred vision (diabetic retinopathy)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Gum disease and poor oral health.

Should I seek medical attention right away?

The doctor recommended that you see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any signs.

This is important because diabetes symptoms can sometimes escalate into a medical emergency quite quickly. Your blood sugar can either drop too low, causing hypoglycemia, or get too high, causing DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). If left untreated, these emergencies can be fatal.”

In any case, it’s important to get your blood sugar levels under control and your insulin levels stabilized as soon as possible by developing a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, you should see your doctor and have your blood sugar tested to check for diabetes.

Depending on the type of diabetes, symptoms can come on quickly or slowly.

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, over weeks or even days. Weight loss is common in people with type 1 diabetes when it first develops and before treatment begins, but is less common in people with type 2 diabetes.