By Jeffrey S. Rewitzer, DPM
Table of Contents
In the U.S., 30 million people have diabetes; approximately 7 million of these don’t know they have this disease. Learning the signs of diabetes can mean the difference between managing this disease and suffering from serious complications. Here are some common diabetes symptoms:
Common Diabetes Symptoms
Fatigue and hunger
Either your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or your cells resist the insulin that you have. This prevents your body from bringing glucose for energy into your cells. The result is that you will feel more tired and hungrier than usual.
Frequent urination
Your kidneys may not be able to absorb the excess glucose in your blood, so they will make more urine.
Increased thirst
Because you are urinating more frequently, you will be thirstier.
Itchy, dry skin
As you eliminate more fluids, your skin can get dehydrated and itchy, and your mouth may feel dry too.
Blurred vision
The changing fluid levels may cause your eye lenses to swell, change shape, and lose ability to focus.
Be Alert For Diabetes Symptoms In Your Feet
If your blood glucose level has been high for some time, you may notice differences in your feet.
Numbness or pain in your feet or legs
Diabetes causes nerve damage called neuropathy because of excess glucose in your blood. Neuropathy can cause you to lose sensation in your feet, and you may not notice when they have experienced an injury.
Slow–healing sores
Diabetes can cause problems with your circulation and, when coupled with neuropathy, you may have a cut or sore on your foot that can quickly worsen into an ulcer.
If you suspect that you have diabetes, act quickly! Visit your doctor or schedule an appointment with us for a neuropathy check on your feet. The sooner you address symptoms of diabetes, the quicker you can begin to manage this progressive disease.