Diabetes Symptoms

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Diabetes affects an estimated 20 million children and adults in the US and about one-third of them are not even aware that they have the disease. Many people with diabetes do not find out they have the disease until they develop one of its serious or life-threatening complications. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors of diabetes so that a diagnosis can be made and steps can be taken to control the disease and its effects.

Diabetes Type 1 Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes used to be known as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It usually first occurs during childhood, but it can develop at any time. This type of diabetes accounts for approximately 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. The risk factors are thought to be autoimmune, genetic, or environmental, but unfortunately there are no known ways to prevent type 1 diabetes from developing.

Because of the serious health effects of diabetes, it is important to be aware of the signs that indicate that you or your child might have type 1 diabetes. If you expect the possibility of diabetes or have other health concerns, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst or hunger
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness

Diabetes Type 2 Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It commonly first develops in older adults, but although rare it can also occur during childhood and adolescence. This type of diabetes accounts for approximately 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

The disease usually develops over time so the symptoms are often not recognized as indicators of type 2 diabetes. Because of the health risks, it is important to be on the lookout for the signs of diabetes and be tested for diabetes and pre-diabetes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have other health concerns, you should contact your doctor.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Same symptoms as type 1 diabetes
• Slow-healing sores or cuts
• Recent weight gain
• Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
• Decreased vision
• Itching of the skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area)
• Frequent yeast infections
• Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit and groin
• Impotency

Most people do not find out they have type 2 diabetes until they experience complications from the disease. Some of the serious side effects include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, dental disease, sexual dysfunction, amputations, or pregnancy complications.

Diabetes Type 2 Risk Factors

The causes of diabetes are unknown, but there are several factors known to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This includes a family history of diabetes, being over 45 years of age, being overweight, hypertension (high blood pressure), unhealthy cholesterol levels, lack of regular exercise or activity, history of vascular disease (such as a stroke), history of polycystic ovary disease, history of gestational (pregnancy) diabetes, and race or ethnic background. These factors do not mean someone will develop type 2 diabetes, but they do increase the chances.