The two main types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is more common.
Both keep the body from creating and using the hormone insulin effectively. Insulin enables the body to process sugar in the blood and make sure that it stays at a healthy level. If levels of blood sugar, or glucose, get too high, it can damage cells and cause complications throughout the body.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 26.8 million people in the United States had a diagnosis of diabetes in 2018. Among them, nearly 1.6 million had type 1 diabetes...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Meanwhile, they estimate that another 7.3 million people had undiagnosed diabetes that same year. And in 2015, they report, about 88 million people had prediabetes — high blood sugar levels indicating that a person is at risk of diabetes.
Being able to identify early symptoms of diabetes can help a person know when to seek care. Receiving a diagnosis and treatment early can prevent long-term damage.
young woman looking in window
fatigue
hunger during or shortly after a meal
weight loss, despite eating more
extreme thirst
frequent urination
blurred vision
slow healing of cuts and bruises
tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
acanthosis nigricans, an issue that causes skin on the neck, armpits, groin, and other areas to change color and texture, possibly becoming velvety
It is worth noting that factors such as age and overall health can affect how a person experiences these symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes in infants and young children
Young children are more likely to develop type 1 than type 2. A caregiver may notice.
fatigue
intense hunger
unexplained weight loss
vision changes
yeast infections, which may present as a diaper rash
a fruity smell on the breath
unusual behavior, such as irritability, restlessness, or mood changes
Type 1 diabetes in adults
This condition usually arises during childhood, but it can appear at any age. A person should see a doctor if they develop:
unexplained weight loss
extreme thirst
frequent urination
blurry vision
repeated yeast infections
slow healing of cuts and bruises
Type 2 diabetes
Many people only learn that they have type 2 diabetes during a routine checkup. Others see doctors about symptoms of the condition or its complications.
Symptoms of diabetes-related complications include:
skin infections or itching
eye and vision changes
tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness in the feet and hands
poor circulation and ulcers on the feet
thirst or dry mouth
a fruity odor on the breath
kidney problems
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The sooner a person with diabetes receives a diagnosis, the sooner they can start treatment, which focuses on regulating blood sugar levels.
Hyperglycemia is the medical name for high blood sugar levels. It can occur when a person’s treatment plan is not sufficient to manage their diabetes or when factors prevent the person from following their treatment plan.
Without treatment, hyperglycemia can cause the complications below.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute condition in which substances called ketones accumulate in the body. Ketones are a byproduct that forms when the body breaks down fat for fuel.
DKA can develop within hours, and it can be life threatening. Early signs and symptoms include:
shortness of breath
severe dry mouth
high blood sugar levels
high ketone levels in the urine
After this, the following may occur:
tiredness
dry or flushed skin
nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
difficulty breathing
difficulty focusing
confusion
a fruity smell on the breath
Anyone with these symptoms needs emergency medical attention.
Long-term diabetes complications
The following tend to occur later in life if a person does not receive effective treatment:
heart disease
stroke
kidney failure
vision loss
Also, some people with long-term diabetes complications require the amputation of a limb.
Receiving treatment for either type of diabetes early can help prevent these from happening.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin.
When this happens, the body cannot produce enough insulin to process and regulate blood sugar.
As a result, people with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin in addition to other therapies and care strategies.
Health experts are still unsure of the precise causes, but genetic and environmental factors, such as viruses, may play a role.
Type 2 diabetes
A person with type 2 diabetes either does not produce enough insulin or their body does not use it efficiently. The latter is known as insulin resistance.
In a person with type 2, excess sugar builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in symptoms and, without treatment, complications.
Type 2 diabetes typically develops in older adults, but it can affect younger people.
have obesity
have overweight
are not physically active or have a sedentary lifestyle
have extra belly fat
have had gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy
have hypertension, or high blood pressure
are older than 35
have a family history
A doctor typically diagnoses diabetes by asking about symptoms and ordering a blood test, which can show high blood sugar levels.
If the person is not experiencing symptoms, the doctor may order a follow-up test to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes. A person with type 1 needs to take insulin every day, using injections or pumps.
For a person with type 2 diabetes, a doctor recommends self-care strategies and other ways to manage blood sugar levels. This might involve taking prescribed medications, including insulin.
It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan. Anyone who is having difficulty doing this or experiencing any side effects should consult their doctor for guidance right away.
Spotting the early symptoms of diabetes can help a person receive a timely diagnosis and start treatment right away. This helps prevent diabetes complications, which can be very dangerous.
Anyone who thinks that they may have diabetes should contact a doctor.
