Can You Identify a Diabetes Symptom When You See One?

Q - What is a diabetes symptom?

A - It is any change in the body which suggests that someone has diabetes.

Q - What are the different symptoms?
A -

1. Frequent passing of urine which is called polyuria by medics.
2. Excessive thirst and drinking of water which is called polydipsia by medics.
3. Excessive hunger also known as polyphagia by medics.

Other symptoms include fatigue, frequent infections and delay in wound healing.

Q - Which diabetes symptom is most important?

A - All of them are important. None of the symptoms should be regarded as un-important.

Q - Why is it important to know these symptoms?

A - The purpose of learning about the symptoms is to enable you to identify diabetes early - if it ever shows up - and start proper treatment before the condition gets worse.

Q - Are the diabetes symptoms always present?

A - People with diabetes if left un-treated will eventually notice some of the symptoms. But these symptoms vary in the time of their appearance. some appear early while others appear late. It is also complicated by the fact that some people are not observant enough to notice them when they appear.

Q - What is the difference between early and late symptoms?

A - Early symptoms appear in the beginning stages of the disease before much damage is done. They are usually symptoms of hyperglycaemia. Late symptoms appear afterwards when some organs of the body have been affected.

Q - Do all types of DM have the same symptoms?

A - Diabetes mellitus in whatever form will show some symptoms which are common to all types and these have been mentioned above. In addition, the different types of diabetes also show some special symptoms. Keep reading to find out more.

Q - What are the symptoms that are unique to the different types of diabetes?

A -
Type 1 - People with this type of diabetes can have a sweet almond smell in their breath. This is a bad sign as it signifies the development of keto-acidosis - a potentially fatal complication of type 1 diabetes. More on type 1 diabetes symptoms here.

Type 2 - Because this type affects older people, there are some symptoms that are common . E.g. Sexual dysfunction, and frequent urinary tract infections. However it is common for people with this type of diabetes not to know until they visit the hospital for another complain and are "accidentally" diagnosed with DM. Learn more about early diabetes symptoms.

Gestational Diabetes - This type manifests with symptoms such as an excessively big abdomen during pregnancy, frequent infections, excessive drinking of water....Click to learn more on gestational diabetes.

Q - What should I do when I notice any symptom?

A - You should go and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Published - May, 2006