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Symptoms of Diabetes

Article Written By Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

The Stages of Diabetes

Diabetes may be extremely difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages. That's why it's vital to know the signs and symptoms - so that you can be aware of what to look for as the earlier it's detected, the better the outcome and quality of life.

The symptoms and side effects of diabetes can be easy to miss and many times it's not until the condition worsens and triggers another health ill that it is diagnosed.

The following are basic symptoms of Type II Diabetes. If this disease runs in your family, please take note because you run a higher risk of it entering your life. At times it strikes in the middle-age years - generally after 40, and at other times, in the senior years. That's just one of the terrible things about this disease, diabetes is unpredictable.

Symptoms of Kidney Issues

Excessive Thirst - including during the night. If you find yourself suddenly craving water over a short period of time then start looking for other symptoms of diabetes. Craving water OR drinking more water than normally is generally one of the first signs of diabetes.

Excessive Urination - the area around the toilet may also be sticky.Like 'water cravings', excessive urination is also one of the first symptoms of diabetes.

Because carbohydrate-restricted diets as well as high protein diets impact kidney functioning they should be avoided by diabetics or anyone at risk for diabetes.

Bladder Infections -  The individual may feel an urge to urinate but will not be able to do such. Other symptoms accompanying bladder infections include blood in the urine, a burning sensation while urinating, lethargy and fever.

Symptoms Involving Weight

Excessive, Intense Hunger -  Excessive hunger may occur throughout the day, even shortly after enjoying a meal.

Weight Gain OR Weight Loss - When my dad had warning signs of diabetes he lost a lot of weight - so much weight that we thought he might have cancer.

He wasn't a tall man - about 5'10" tall and weighed close to 300 pounds. When symptoms of diabetes started showing in his early 40's he dropped more than 50 pounds in the space of a few weeks. It was very concerning for the family.

On the other hand, weight gain is also a symptom of diabetes. The weight gain may be very rapid.

Diabetes, the Impact on Skin

Skin issues including rashes and infections such as boils and athlete's foot. The diabetic also has difficulty in healing as quickly as the common individual. Skin may be itchy or flaky. If you know someone who is diabetic and bothered by skin issues, I would highly recommend a product called 'Robathol'.

It's also great for protecting the skin and may assist with certain allergies that cause skin irritations. It was recommended to me for anallergic skin reaction by a dermatologist some years ago.

Nerves & Muscles, Side Effects

circle03_skyblue.gif Tingling in hands and/or feet.

circle03_skyblue.gif Numbness in hands and/or feet.

circle03_skyblue.gif Leg cramps

Side Effects on Moods

Excessive tiredness malaise, drowsiness. Because the diabetic doesn't feel well they may be cranky and uncooperative. For the onlooker, it's difficult at times to be patient and understanding.

Miscellaneous Health Issues Related to Diabetes

The Eyes: Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you are experiencing any issues with your eyes and suspect diabetes might be the culprit, it's vital that you see your doctor as soon as possible for treatment.

Doing such may save your eyesight. Blindness is an unfortunate occurrence in diabetics. My father went blind about 10 years after he was diagnosed with the disease.

Thrush (oral) - If you experience mouth irritations along with any of the above symptoms you'll need to speak with your doctor about diabetes.

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