Diabetes Signs - The Big 3 Signs
The big 3 diabetes signs are Polyuria, Polydipsia and Polyphagia
The symptoms of diabetes can be reduced to three major factors. In the case of type 1 diabetes, these symptoms can develop quickly.
However, when it comes to type 2 diabetes, symptoms may be far subtler and develop slower.
What are the big three symptoms of diabetes?
The three major symptoms of diabetes are:
- Polyuria (The need to urinate frequently)
- Polydipsia (Increased thirst & fluid intake)
- Polyphagia (Increased appetite)
What happens when a person develops diabetes and reports these symptoms?
These symptoms are caused by the effect of diabetes on the body.
If the level of glucose in the blood becomes too high, excess glucose is removed from the blood by the kidneys and excreted via the urine (glycosuria).
This results in greater urine production and causes the patient to urinate frequently.
Water held in the cells is required to replace lost blood volume, and thus causes dehydration and thirst.
The big 3 diabetes signs are:
- Polyuria - the need to frequently urinate, particularly at night
- Polydipsia - increased thirst & need for fluids
- Polyphagia - an increased appetite
The symptoms may often come together and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as tiredness and blurred vision.
If you recognise these symptoms, it’s well worth seeing your doctor for a diabetes test. If you recognise these symptoms in a child, there’s extra urgency as if it is type 1 diabetes, the symptoms can advance relatively quickly and become dangerous.
What are the other major symptoms of diabetes?
Glucose absorption can change the shape of the lens in the eye, leading to an altered vision quality.
This can lead to blurred vision, a common complaint that indicates type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis is another symptom of diabetes.
Where can I learn more about diabetes, diabetes diagnosis and symptoms of diabetes?
I’m worried I might have diabetes, who should I speak to?
Speak to a doctor or healthcare expert as soon as possible. The Diabetes Community Forum may also be of help.
