In most cases symptoms develop gradually over time or there are no clear symptoms. However, in some cases symptoms appear rapidly and are usually then quite severe.
Frequent Urination
Diabetes causes excess glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. This
results in the kidneys having to work harder to filter and absorb the excessive amount of glucose. If the kidneys cannot keep pace with processing the glucose being built up, the excess glucose as well as fluids
drawn from your body tissue is excreted through urination.
Increased Thirst
The above mentioned process leads to the body being dehydrated, thus
causing a constant thirst. When more fluid is taken in to satisfy the thirst,
it adds to the frequent urination.
Dry mouth
This is a symptom of the above mentioned dehydration where there is a
lack of moisture in the mouth.
Fatigue
Fatigue is when a person feels very tired and physically weak. This is due
to more than one factor. Factors include the constant urination and
subsequent dehydration as well as the body’s inability to operate as it
should due to it not being to use sugar properly to produce energy.
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss occurs during diabetes as a result of frequent urination as
glucose and therefore calories are lost during urine excretion. Consistent hunger may also be experienced as diabetes keeps the glucose from reaching your cells.
The combined effect is possible dramatic weight loss, which is especially the case during type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes sufferers do not tend to lose as much weight. A doctor should be consulted if you lose weight
without altering previous eating habits.
Blurred vision
Blurry vision is often a sign of diabetes. This is due to extended
dehydration where high levels of blood sugar draw the fluid from the lenses of the eyes. This results in the eyes not being able to focus properly. If not treated, diabetes can damage the retina and lead to a loss
of vision.
Headaches
Diabetes affects different systems in the body which can cause conditions
that result in headaches. Examples of such conditions are: problems relate to eyes, high blood pressure levels, high blood sugar levels, and
neuropathy.
“Fruity” Breath
Because sugar is not absorbed properly into the cells due to the
ineffectiveness of insulin, the body uses fat to produce energy instead. A specific type ketone, acetone, causes the breath to have a fruity scent,
almost like that of nail polish remover.
Increased hunger - (especially after eating)
Insulin helps in the transportation of glucose to cells. When the cells
become resistant to insulin, glucose cannot reach the cells and the cells become deprived of glucose. This causes constant hunger, even directly
after a meal.
Long healing time for sores, bruises and cuts
This is due to high blood sugar levels damaging nerves and retarding blood
circulation, especially in the feet and legs.
Yeast Infections
Diabetes can cause many infections such as: yeast infections, skin
infections, urinary infections, or gum and mouth infections. This is due to
diabetes damaging the circulatory and nervous systems.
Itchy skin
This itching is usually felt in the vaginal or groin area. Itching should be
reported to your doctor. Causes of Itching can be: infection, dryness, or poor blood circulation. It is not uncommon to experience an itchy feeling in the genital area when high blood sugar levels are present. A tell-tale sign
of early diabetes is itching in the lower part of the legs.
Irritability
This is caused by fluctuation in the blood sugar levels as this can cause
mood swings.
Numbness or tingling of limbs
High blood sugar levels can cause a tingling sensation due to damage
caused to the nervous system. This is known as neuropathy. This symptom
often only appears after a few years.
Erectile dysfunction or impotence
Type 2 diabetes can cause sexual related problems which affect the sex
drive, cause erectile dysfunction in men, and cause difficulty, discomfort, or pain during sex for women. This is once again due to damaged nervous-
or circulatory systems which are important during sexual intercourse.
Skin Complications
Due to the dehydration skin irritation is very common. Bacterial and fungal
infections are a problem among diabetes sufferers. A common one of these is an infection known as “acanthosis nigricans”. Symptoms of this are velvet dark skin in bodily creases such as the neck, genitals, and underarms.
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