The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes. The National Diabetes Statistics Report states that over 29 million Americans have diabetes. That is quite significant as it means that almost every tenth person is affected. Studies have also proven that it is the seventh leading cause of death. Even those who do not die directly because of diabetes may find that their life expectancy has been reduced by several years. Additionally, the risk of heart disease is doubled and diabetes can cause some fearsome complications such as kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputations. Diabetes is on the rise despite the billions of dollars that are spent every year on related healthcare and treatments.
You can do a lot to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes including:
- Watching your weight
- Eating healthy
- Staying active
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. If it’s not controlled, diabetes can cause serious health problems. The good news is that the small steps you take to prevent diabetes can lead to big rewards.