Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms can develop quickly
The main symptoms of diabetes include significantly increased thirst, needing to urinate more often than usual, fatigue and increased hunger.
Additional common symptoms include blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, dry mouth, itchy or burning in the feet.
Rapid weight loss is also a common symptom for type 1 diabetes.
If I am type 1 diabetic, what might my symptoms be?
Symptom checklist for type 1 diabetes:
- Exceptional thirst
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Loss of weight
- Weakness or fatigue
- Blurred vision
Having history of type 1 diabetes in your family increases the chances of developing type 1 diabetes.
If I am type 2 diabetic, what might my symptoms be?
Symptom checklist for type 2 diabetes:
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or sores take a long time to heal
- Itching skin or yeast infections
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Leg pain
Type 2 diabetes may lead on from pre-diabetes. You may also want to try the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test.
I’m worried I may be diabetic, how fast do symptoms develop?
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus may develop extremely quickly (over the course of weeks or even days) in children or adolescents who had previously been exhibiting signs of health.
The speed at which type 1 diabetes comes on makes speed in spotting the sign important.
However, in adults over the age of 40 the symptoms can appear very gradually, which can make spotting the signs more difficult.
Don’t be tempted to let the symptoms be dismissed as down to age or ‘getting on a bit’.
Ketoacidosis
In type 1 diabetics, a condition called ketoacidosis at diagnosis is common. This occurs when acid compounds, ketones, form in the blood.
If untreated, this can result in extremely serious complications and even death, but it can be the first indicator of the presence of type 1 diabetes.
A doctor testing you for type 1 diabetes may also wish to test for ketones to prevent ketoacidosis occurring.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)
Amongst type 2 diabetics, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State is a condition that may occur if diabetes develops without medical treatment.
HHS can result if blood glucose levels rise significantly, above 33 mmol/L, in type 2 diabetes.
Where can I get tested for diabetes?
If you are worried you have diabetes, your doctor can run tests to find out if you have or may have it.
Type 1 diabetes most commonly appears during childhood but it may also develop during adulthood.
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, so if you have the signs of type 1 diabetes, it is important to be seen by a doctor quickly.
With type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can appear very gradually that it may not be picked up for a number of years. The longer it is undiagnosed, the more damage will occur to the body so it is important to get a definitive answer if you have the symptoms.
Buying a blood glucose meter for peace of mind
Approximately 1 in 25 people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes (2.9 million people).
It is thought that up to half a million more are currently undiagnosed.
As a result of the growing prevalence of diabetes, more people are purchasing blood glucose meters to be able to test their own blood sugar levels.
This allows people to spot trends in their blood glucose levels over a period of days, weeks or months. It also gives piece of mind.
If you are using finger prick tests to deduce your own blood sugar levels your blood sugar levels should be between:
- 4 and 6 mmol/L before meals
- Under 8 mmol/L after meals
Some particularly sugary meals may see a rise above 8 mmol/L but for most meals the figure should be below.
If you are getting figures above these values, book an appointment with your doctor for a diabetes screening test.
