Recognizing Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Any doctor will tell you that the most crucial step toward healing is a timely and correct diagnosis. The earlier we identify symptoms of medical conditions, the better our chances of successful treatment. 

In 2022, India is now known as the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’, accounting for 17% of cases globally. One hundred thirty-five million people are expected to live with diabetes by 2045.

To decrease the disease burden, we must become aware of the early and late symptoms of diabetes. Once diagnosed, people with diabetes can get treated to reduce their risks of complications stemming from the disease. 

In this article, we will break down the different symptoms of diabetes that you could expect to see at different stages of life- from childhood to older adults – and different presentations in men and women. 

Symptoms Associated With Early or Chronic Stages of Diabetes

Recognizing the early symptoms of diabetes can help diagnose the condition before complications occur. 

There are two types of diabetes- Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is usually identified early in life and is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that affects the pancreas’s cells and stops insulin production.

Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age due to lifestyle habits, obesity, genetic conditions, and hormonal imbalances. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often overlap with the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. 

They include: 

• Weakness 
• Strong thirst or polydipsia 
• Frequent urinating or polyurea 
• Constantly hungry or polyphagia 
• Dry mouth and nausea 
• Abdominal pain. 
• Dark, discolored skin patches under the armpit, neck, and thighs, also called acanthosis nigricans.

Late symptoms of diabetes 

Long-standing diabetes can cause various complications to different organs and body functions, leading to signs and symptoms of chronic conditions. 

• Skin infections, mainly yeast infections, are tough to treat 
• Accidental injuries or scars after planned surgeries or procedures take longer to heal and are prone to infections. 
• Nerve damage indicative of diabetic neuropathy is identified early with numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet. 
• Visual impairment, like blurred vision or double vision, may indicate damage to small blood vessels in the eye’s retina, indicative of diabetic retinopathy.  
• Facial swelling and lower limb swelling may be symptoms of kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the kidney’s filtration system. 
• Diabetic Foot is a common complication of diabetes due to a combination of symptoms. Numbness and loss of sensation in the toes or feet lead to frequent minor injuries or infections that often go unnoticed and become difficult to treat and slow to heal. They lead to ulceration, pain, and soft tissue damage. If left untreated, it could lead to amputations. 

Symptoms Related to the Complications of Diabetes 

DKA Or Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The body cannot break down sugar for energy if insulin levels decrease dramatically. So, it begins to burn fat instead. This process releases ketones into the bloodstream, which causes the blood to change its pH leading to severe complications. Although DKA is identified commonly in type 1 diabetics, it can also occur in patients with type 2.

<< To know more about DKA and its treatment, read our blog post linked here>> 

People with DKA have 

• Hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar levels 
• Increased ketones in the urine 
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or Vomiting.
• Muscle Aches and headaches.
• Weakness.
• Stomach pain
• Confusion and disorientation 

Hypoglycemia 

People with diabetes may also struggle with extremely low blood glucose levels (below 70mg/dl), especially if they are on medication. Left untreated, it may even lead to a coma.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include 

• Hunger
• Disorientation and confusion 
• Excessive sweating 
• Anxiety
• Feeling sleepy or drowsy 
• Irregular, rapid heartbeat
• Hand tremors
• Loss of consciousness, instability, and fainting episodes. 

Symptoms Associated With Sex

Diabetes symptoms in women 

Women experience 

• Painful urination
• Irregular periods
• Unexpected weight Gain
• Depression and anxiety. 

Around the 24th week of pregnancy, some women experience gestational diabetes, when their blood sugar levels suddenly begin to rise. This could be due to a family history of diabetes, increased weight gain during pregnancy, or hormonal changes.

In addition to the early symptoms of diabetes, weight gain, and fatigue, women with gestational diabetes often have vaginal and bladder infections and are at higher risk of having a preterm delivery, a C-section delivery, intra-uterine death of the baby, and of delivering an obese baby.

In addition, untreated gestational diabetes can lead to complicated type 2 diabetes in the future. 

Diabetes Symptoms In Men

In addition to the early symptoms of diabetes, some men also experience erectile dysfunction, where they have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection, which leads to complications in fertility and intimacy with their partners. 

Symptoms Associated With Age

Although diabetes can present at any age, a few symptoms often occur during childhood, adolescence, and seniors. 

Diabetes symptoms in older adults 

Diabetes affects 33% of people aged 65 and older, which puts them at risk for developing severe complications like hypoglycemia, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Unfortunately, older adults tend to ignore these symptoms as they believe it could also be due to natural aging. In addition to the early signs of diabetes, seniors also experience 

• Blurry vision and partial or complete vision loss
• Red, swollen, painful gums, loose teeth, sores, and pus-filled pockets in your gums.
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Inability to concentrate
• Personality changes and aggressive behavior
• Disturbed sleeping patterns 
• Confusion
• Speech and self-care difficulties
• Poor appetite
• Unsteadiness and falls

Diabetes in children and teenagers 

Type 1 diabetes is much more common in young people than type 2 diabetes.

The average age of type 1 diabetes diagnosis is 13 years. However, 85% of all type 1 diagnoses occur before age 20. With increasing rates of childhood obesity, the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children is also growing. Over 75% of children with type 2 diabetes have a close relative with the condition.

With these rising numbers, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of diabetes in young adults early on. 

A simple way to remember the symptoms of diabetes in children is to look for the “4 Ts.”

• Toilet: using the bathroom frequently. Infants may have heavier diapers, or toddlers may experience bedwetting even after being dry.
• Thirsty: drinking more fluids than usual but still complaining of thirst 
• Tired: feeling exhausted and lethargic or sleeping for long periods during the day
• Thinner: losing weight instead of gaining according to their age milestones 

Children may also have breath that smells fruity, which is a sign of life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. 

Conclusion 

Diabetes can be a life-long, chronic condition that can lead to many complications if not identified and treated early on. Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes as they present in different sexes, age groups, and clinical conditions can help you or a loved one get access to treatment as early as possible. 

Fittertake

Once you identify the symptoms of diabetes and have a confirmed diagnosis, you can begin to work on your treatment goals. Here is where Fitterfly comes in!

Our programs help you make behavioral changes that last a lifetime to break free from the chains of metabolic disorders like diabetes. 

This is why Fitterfly has launched India’s 1st Metabolic Health Challenge called Metamorphosis. You can find out more about our smart, personalized, clinically validated & digitally led 90-day programs like Fitterfly’s Diabetes Care Program.

Sign up for our program, or you can just give a missed call at 08069450746 to know more.