Symptoms of Diabetes: What Patients Need to Know
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 422 million adults were diagnosed with diabetes in 2014. Despite its prevalence, many diabetes patients remain unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease until serious complications arise. Therefore, to help patients better understand diabetes, here is a breakdown of the different signs and symptoms typically associated with the condition.
Classical Symptoms of Diabetes
The primary symptoms of diabetes include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue
Blurred vision
Tingling or numbness in the extremities
Wounds that don’t heal
Recurring infections
These symptoms typically occur when the body is unable to process glucose due to an insufficient amount of insulin — or because cells are not responding appropriately to the insulin being produced.
Long Term Complications of Diabetes
In addition to the common diabetes symptoms, patients may also develop long-term complications if the condition is left untreated. These include:
Heart disease and stroke
Eye damage and vision loss
Kidney damage
Neuropathy
Gastroparesis
Foot damage due to nerve damage and poor circulation
Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive impairments
It is therefore important for patients to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes, as well as adhere to a healthy lifestyle and take any prescribed medications to reduce the risk of these complications.
Preventative Measures for Diabetes
In addition to taking medication and consuming a healthy diet, patients can also prevent diabetes and delay its progression by exercising regularly and regularly testing their blood glucose levels. Diabetes patients should also monitor for metabolic syndrome, which is a collection of symptoms that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing diabetes, as well as heart disease. This includes maintaining optimal levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.
By being aware of the signs and symptoms associated with diabetes and taking the necessary preventative measures, patients can better manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.