Symptoms of Diabetes in Adults

There are many different symptoms that may indicate the presence of diabetes. Since many people have diabetes and realize it until they start to suffer more serious complications, recognizing those symptoms is extremely important.

While the symptoms in adults of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar, they differ in the speed in which they become manifest.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependant or juvenile diabetes, develop over a short period of time. One form of type 1 diabetes, immune-mediated diabetes, is caused by an autoimmune response within the body which destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The condition is irreversible and those suffering from type 1 diabetes will need to take supplemental insulin for the rest of their lives.

Because the body of the type 1 diabetic cannot produce insulin, symptoms develop rapidly and worsen very quickly; sufferers can swiftly fall into a diabetic coma if the condition is not diagnosed, and treatment begun.

Symptoms develop differently in type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes. While some insulin is still being produced and released by the body, it may not be enough or the cells may have become resistant and unable to utilize the insulin that is available. It is because of the presence of insulin that symptoms take longer to develop and progress over an extended period of time. It may take many years for symptoms to become prominent enough for a diagnosis.

The symptoms are the same for both types of diabetes, and it is important to seek medical help if you notice any of the following:

• Excessive thirst – while excessive thirst can be attributed to other factors, it is also an early indicator of diabetes, and if you are experiencing it, you should bring it to the attention of your medical practitioner.

• Frequent urination – obviously if more fluid is going in, it has to come out. There may be a sweet smell to the urine indicating high blood sugar levels. Frequent urination is also a symptom of other health conditions, all of which should be investigated.

• Sudden changes in vision—High blood glucose levels can damage the smaller blood vessels which in turn can cause damage to the sensitive structure of the eye. Any sudden changes in vision must be investigated promptly.

• Sweet smelling breath may be noticed by diabetes sufferers or those close to them.

• Increase in appetite is worth noting, especially if this is accompanied by an unexplained weight loss.

• Drowsiness and lethargy—while many could attribute these symptoms simply to their busy lives, it is worth investigating if it does not improve after a few early nights.

• Heavy, labored breathing could be a symptom of any one of a number of modern day respiratory problems but can be a symptom of diabetes.

• Stupor and unconsciousness is the final symptom, by which time it is often too late to do anything to help.

Additional symptoms may include moodiness and frequent infections.

The key is to become aware of your body and to learn to recognize the warning signs it sends out. Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many symptoms seem harmless. Ignoring symptoms is unwise, and can only lead to them worsening and even the development of a more serious health problem. Go and get them checked out!