10 Key Symptoms Of Early Diabetes That Shouldn't Be Ignored

I have had diabetes for over 20 years now (Type 2). It can be lethal in all sorts of ways, if it is not managed effectively, but with good management and a sensible diet, one can lead a normal, satisfying life, as I've done, despite its potential for disaster. Unfortunately, diabetes is on the increase because of our changing lifestyle, especially changes in diet. Currently, nearly 5.5 million people in the UK have diabetes, either Type 2 - the most common type that accounts for around 90% of all cases, or Type 1, the more serious kind, that affects 10% of cases. Overall, diabetes costs the UK economy £12.5 billion per year - that's £184 for every single person in the population each year!

Some people are more at risk than others due to some key factors. For example, the risk of developing diabetes increases with age. If you're over 40, have a history of diabetes within your family, are overweight (around 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are obese), or don't do much exercise, you may be heading for it. Additionally, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups are more likely to develop diabetes than White people, and pregnant women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is very important to be aware of the early signs of diabetes, because while it can be managed with medication, diet and exercise when fully developed, it is often a ruthless, silent killer. Its worst effects are internal, often not noticed until too late. It can damage both your eyesight (it is the leading cause of blindness in people under 65 in the UK.) and your kidneys (the most common cause of kidney failure); it can rob your extremities (fingers and toes) of blood and oxygen, resulting in gangrene (the leading cause of amputations); it can also cause strokes and, above all, unexpected heart attacks. That is why it is important to get regular blood sugar checks and to see your doctor if you have any concerns about diabetes.

To check if you could be at risk from diabetes, the following are key symptoms:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination: You may feel very thirsty, even if you're drinking plenty of fluids, and may need to urinate more often, especially at night. This is because your body is trying to get rid of excess glucose (sugar) in your urine, with the help of the water.

Unexplained weight loss: You may lose weight without trying, even if you're eating the same amount of food, because your body is using glucose for energy instead of storing it as fat.

Fatigue: You may feel tired all the time, even after getting a full night's sleep, because your body is not getting the energy it needs from glucose.

Blurred vision: Your vision may become blurry, especially if you have Type 1 diabetes, because high blood sugar levels can damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet: You may experience those sensations in your hands or feet because high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in them.

Irritability or mood changes: You may become more irritable or have mood swings because high blood sugar levels can affect your brain chemistry.

Ketones in the urine: Ketones are a type of waste product that builds up when your body doesn't have enough insulin. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you may have ketones in your urine.

Slow-healing sores: Sores or cuts may take longer to heal than usual because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, which can slow down the healing process.

If you're pregnant, you're at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes - a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Having said all that, the symptoms of diabetes can vary from person to person, so not everyone will experience all of the symptoms listed above. In fact, some people with diabetes may not have any symptoms at all. This is why it's important to get regular blood sugar checks, even if you don't have any symptoms.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or you have any questions or particular concerns about diabetes, it's best to see a doctor to get tested for it, or just to make sure you;re not at risk. 



Sources: Diabetes UK and American Diabetes Association

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