What are Top 10 Diabetes symptoms?

In this article, we are going to discuss about top 10 and most common symptoms found in diabetes patient.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body is unable to regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood properly. This can occur due to a lack of insulin production (in type 1 diabetes) or a problem in the way the body uses insulin (in type 2 diabetes). High blood glucose levels can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney disease.

The two main types of diabetes are:

1. Type 1 diabetes: This type of diabetes is caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump.
2. Type 2 diabetes: This type of diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which is when the body becomes less responsive to insulin. This type of diabetes is often associated with obesity and is more common in older adults, although it is also becoming more common in children and young adults.

Diabetes can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity, and medical treatment, such as insulin therapy or oral medications. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are also important in monitoring and managing diabetes.

1. Excessive thirst and urination–Excessive thirst and frequent urination are common symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. These symptoms occur when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose levels in the blood rise, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination as the body tries to flush out excess glucose through the kidneys. If you have diabetes and are experiencing excessive thirst and frequent urination, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. This may include adjusting your insulin regimen, making changes to your diet, and increasing fluid intake. By controlling your blood sugar levels, you can help relieve these symptoms and prevent long-term complications of diabetes.
2. Hunger and fatigue– Hunger and fatigue are common symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. This occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose levels in the blood rise, leading to increased hunger and fatigue. The body is unable to use glucose for energy, causing feelings of tiredness and fatigue. To help relieve these symptoms, people with diabetes may need to adjust their insulin regimen, make changes to their diet, and increase physical activity. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and monitoring of blood sugar levels are also important in managing diabetes. If you have diabetes and are experiencing hunger and fatigue, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
3. Blurred vision– Blurred vision can be a symptom of high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This can occur when the lens of the eye swells due to an increase in blood sugar levels, leading to temporary changes in vision. High blood sugar levels can also damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss if left untreated. People with diabetes should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and visit an eye doctor for regular eye exams to prevent and manage diabetic eye complications.
   
4. Slow wound healing– Slow wound healing is a common complication in people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can affect the circulation and damage the blood vessels, making it difficult for the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Additionally, nerve damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes can reduce the ability to feel pain or pressure, making it easier for small wounds to go unnoticed and become infected. To help with wound healing and prevent complications, people with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under control, practice good foot care, and promptly seek medical attention for any cuts or wounds.
5. Dry skin– Dry skin is a common complaint among people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration and reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dry, itchy, and sometimes cracked skin. Nerve damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes can also affect sweat glands, reducing the skin’s ability to regulate its own moisture levels. In addition, certain medications used to treat diabetes can cause dry skin as a side effect. To help prevent and manage dry skin in diabetes, it’s important to drink plenty of water, use mild and fragrance-free skin products, and avoid excessive exposure to hot water and harsh soaps. If dry skin is persistent or becomes infected, it’s important to seek medical attention.
6. Numbness in extremities– Numbness or tingling in the extremities is a common symptom in people with uncontrolled diabetes. This is known as diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels that affect the nerves in the hands, feet, and other extremities. Diabetic neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation, making it difficult to feel pain, pressure, or temperature changes in the affected areas. This can increase the risk of injuries, infections, and other complications. To help prevent diabetic neuropathy, people with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under control and attend regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. Treatment for diabetic neuropathy may include medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
7. Unexpected weight loss– Unexpected weight loss can be a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. In this condition, the body is unable to produce enough insulin, causing an increase in the levels of glucose in the blood and leading to frequent urination and dehydration. This, in turn, can cause weight loss. If you have diabetes and experience unexpected weight loss, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment, which may include adjusting your insulin regimen, making changes to your diet, and increasing fluid intake.
8. Recurrent infections– Recurrent infections are a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing skin, bladder, vaginal, and gum infections, as well as more serious infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. To help prevent infections, people with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under control, practice good hygiene, and promptly seek medical attention for any signs of infection. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider and foot exams can also help prevent and manage complications related to diabetes.
9. Dark skin patches– Dark skin patches, also known as acanthosis nigricans, can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. This skin condition is caused by high insulin levels in the body and is characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin that develop in body folds and creases, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. The patches can also be itchy and uncomfortable. To help prevent acanthosis nigricans, people with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under control and attend regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. Treatment for acanthosis nigricans may include adjusting your insulin regimen, using topical creams, and making lifestyle changes to reduce insulin resistance.
10. Itching or tingling sensations– Itching or tingling sensations, also known as paresthesias, can be a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes. This can be a result of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves in the skin, causing itching, burning, or tingling sensations. This can also lead to numbness and a loss of sensation in the affected areas. To help prevent diabetic neuropathy, people with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under control and attend regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. Treatment for diabetic neuropathy may include medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent further nerve damage. If you experience itching or tingling sensations in your skin, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

These are the most common symptoms in Diabetes.