According to the American Diabetes Association, 18.2 million Americans (about 6% of the population) have diabetes. Of this total, approximately 13 million have been diagnosed, while a whopping 5.2 million people have diabetes in the U.S. without even knowing it! In the beginning, depending on the type of diabetes, the warning signs can be pretty innocuous, leading many people to think they’re just a sign of aging or not getting enough rest. If you or a friend or family member is suffering from any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor because you may have diabetes.
1. Frequent urination/unquenchable thirst – Diabetes creates excessive glucose buildup in the blood stream which cannot be completely filtered out by the kidneys. To dilute the glucose in the blood, the brain sends out a signal to drink more water. The extra water helps you to evacuate the glucose through your bladder, but in turn, the excess use of water by the body leaves you dehydrated and thirstier. This thirsty feeling also creates an uncomfortable feeling known as dry mouth.
2. Erectile dysfunction – Diabetes can adversely affect a man’s ability to perform sexually. The damage that diabetes does to a man’s arteries and veins can reduce the blood flow to the penis, resulting in the inability to attain a satisfactory erection.
3. Blurred vision – Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness for people under the age of 74 because high blood sugar causes the lens in the eye to swell. People with diabetes are also at very high risk for glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy.
4. Weakness – Diabetes leaves the body unable to properly allow the glucose in the blood stream to be transferred to cells throughout the body. This will eventually lead to cells becoming energy starved which can greatly reduce energy levels.
5. Numbness in Hands or Feet – This is called neuropathy and happens when the buildup of glucose in the bloodstream eventually begins to affect the nerves in the body’s extremities. Although this is a serious symptom, proper control of blood sugar can help to regain feeling in the extremities. In advanced cases of diabetes, this can lead to nerve diseases that may require amputation.
6. Diabetic Coma – When blood sugar levels get too low or too high, a diabetic can become unconscious and lapse in to a potentially fatal coma.
In addition to these warning signs, if you have itchy or dry skin and or the inability for small cuts or bruises to heal, these can also be warning signs of diabetes. Like most diseases, the earlier you are diagnosed and begin to properly regulate your blood sugar levels the better your chances of reversing the effects of this killer disease. If you are suffering from any of the preceding symptoms, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
