Diabetes Symptoms

Who has diabetes and doesn't know it?
...Over 84 million Americans (CDC 2011).

Risks when untreated:

  • Blindness (retinopathy)
  • Amputation
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart disease & stroke

Identify Diabetes Symptoms:

  • Frequent urination
  • Unusual thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Extreme tiredness & irritability
  • Frequent infection
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Tingling/numb hands or feet
  • Repeated skin, gum, or bladder infections

Beware Type II Risks:

  • 57 years or older (ADA Risk Test 2011)
  • Overweight (evaluated by Dr. or Nurse)
  • Parent/brother/sister with diabetes.
  • Family background
    • African American
    • Hispanic/Latino
    • Asian American
    • Alaska Native
    • American Indian
    • Pacific Islander
  • Exercise less than 90 min. per week
  • Dark, velvety rash around neck or armpits
  • High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or above)
  • Cholesterol levels outside normal.
    • HDL cholesterol below 35 mg/dL
    • Triglyceride level over 250 mg/dL)
  • Previously tested positive for:
    • Impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
    • Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
  • History of cardiovascular disease.
  • A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Pregnancy:
    • Had gestational diabetes
    • Gave birth to at least one baby weighing over 9 pounds.

Pregnant With Diabetes? (Gestational diabetes)

Add these to the above...

  • Frequent infections, especially of the bladder, vagina, & skin
  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Weight loss, despite increased appetite
  • Older than 25 when pregnant
  • Unexplained miscarriage or newborn death

Women are usually screened for diabetes within 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Blood sugar level often returns to normal after delivery.