How would I know if I had diabetes?

Question

Both of my grandfathers had diabetes so I know it is a possibility that I could some day end up with it too, but I don't really know what to look out for. What are the symptoms?

I am 26, male and have never been overweight. I do not excercise all that frequently, but I do remain active. I don't think I have to pee all that often (Normal amount I guess.) and I am seldom uber-hungry, but I HAVE had my vision blur up at times (I do not have glasses and when last checked, my vision was 20/20) although that is generally after an extended session on the computer so I have always attributed it to straining my eyes looking at the screen for too long. Extremely rarely (maybe two or three times in the past few years) I have had a tingling sensation in my fingertips.

Answer 1

I assume you mean Type II Diabetes (unless you're young).

The symptoms of Type II often take a long time to appear and you can feel well with the condition for a while.

The classic symptoms are; passing water often, being thirsty often, being hungry often and loosing weight. It might also present as blurred vision or a loss of sensation in the extremities.

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic547.htm

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The only certain way to know that you have diabetes is to get checked by a doctor. First, I would check out the risk factors to see where you stand. Are you overweight? Do you have other health problems such as high cholesteral or high blood pressure. All of those can help bring it on. Just having the family history does not mean that you too will have it. My mother is diabetic, and so was her mother. They were overweight for most of their lives. I am not and I don't have it. You can keep diabetes at bay for a long time using diet and exercise. It isn't perfect, but it does help. As for symptoms, do you have to pee a lot? Is your vision messed up? Do you have a tingling sensation in your fingers and feet? Please, go get checked and talk to a dr about how to prevent diabetes from occuring because once you really start experiencing symptoms then you already have irreversible nerve damage. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes:

• Increased thirst
• Going to the loo (for a wee) all the time – especially at night
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
• Slow healing of wounds
• Nausea
• Dizzyness
• Funny taste in your mouth, that is described as smelling like pear drops
• Lack of concentration
• A big change in appetite

In Type 1 diabetes the signs and symptoms will usually be very obvious, developing quickly, usually over a few weeks.

In people with Type 2 diabetes the signs and symptoms will not be so obvious or even non-existent in people with Type 2 diabetes. If you’re older you may put the symptoms down to ‘getting on a bit’. Taking early action is key so if any of the symptoms apply to you, ask your GP for a diabetes test.

In both types of diabetes, the symptoms are quickly relieved once the diabetes is treated. Early treatment will also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems.

Treatment for diabetes depends on the type of diabetes you have. With type 2, it can be controlled with tablets (such as Metformin) or diet alone. However, type 1 diabetes can only be treated with insulin injections.

Keep yourself healthy, exercise regularly and make sure your heart is in good condition. If you have any concerns - go and see your GP. It is genetic and the more you ignore it, the worse it will be.

Take care

Answer 5

It is important to go to the doctor early if you have a family history of diabetes. Your fasting blood sugar level can easily be checked, as well as other testing done. If the doctor sees suspicious results, you may then go for a glucose tolerance test; this is done by having you (after fasting) ingest a given amount of glucose (usually 100 ml), and then testing both blood and urine at specific intervals for a couple of hours. If the blood values go up above a certain level, or if you "spill sugar" in your urine, then you may be considered diabetic, or possibly simply glucose intolerant if the readings are marginal.

Another thing you can do is to get a simple glucose monitor, learn to use it, and test yourself periodically. If you're not actively diabetic, but want to keep an eye open for early changes, this is a simple and relatively inexpensive thing to do.

Answer 6

How old are you now? Why not go to the doctor for a screening. Do a fasting blood sugar. Diabetes mellitus is a silent killer. You do not have to wait for symptoms before you find out. By then complications may be setting in.

Answer 7

1. Monitor how many times you urinate. Diabetics urinate frequently.
2. Notice whether sores / wounds take a longer time to heal. If they do, it is a symptom
3. Is there a craving for sweets ? If so, it could also be a pointer.
The best way to determine whether you have diabetes is to go for a fasting and a PP blood test.

Answer 8

The thirst and hunger are symptoms that you have to watch. Keep doing the prevention things and you will be at a decreased risk. It is a good idea to have your blood sugar checked at the doctors every year or 2 just to be sure.

Answer 9

The only way to diagnose diabetes is to check your blood sugar. There is a test called a hemoglobin A1C that will tell you your average blood sugar level for the past 3 months that you doctor can do. That is the best way.

Answer 10

Causes of Diabetes.
(1) Hereditory factors.(parents, brothers & sisters having diabetes.
(2) Overweight & belly stomach.
(3) Over 45 years of age.
(4)Ethnic community more suceptible for diabetes.
(5) Women who had gestational diabetes and those who had delivered a baby having a weight more than 4 Kg.
(6) High Blood Pressure.(above 140/90 mm Hg)
(7) Persons having high triglycerides level.
(8) Persons having high cholesterol in the blood.

Diabetes Mellitus
Essentials of diagnosis.
(1) Usually gradual in adults but acute in children.
(2) Polyuria (excretion of excessive amount of urine) , intense thirst.
(3) Nocturia (void of urine at night).
(4) Polyphagia (excessive ingestion of food).
(5) Weight loss, weakness, lassitude.
(6) Pruritus valvae (itching of the external genitalia) in females, balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) in males.
(7) Leg cramps, crops of boils, loss of libido (sexual urge) and impotence (partial or complete inability of the male to perform the sexual act or to achieve orgasm) in middle age.
(8) Blurring of vision may develop.
(9) High fasting blood sugar content >120 mg%
(10) Urine may be positive for sugar.
Please see the webpages for more details on Diabetes.