Symptoms Of Diabetes Often Ignored Or Blamed On Other Ailments


One of the first potential symptoms of diabetes a person should be aware of is family history. When they grow into adulthood with none of the typical signs of the disease, they should consult with their doctor for regular testing if one or moth of their parents had diabetes. Genetics plays a big role in a person susceptibility to having diabetes and catching it early can make starting treatment as soon as possible.

The most common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, extreme hunger and the feeling of constantly being thirsty. Unfortunately, some may attribute frequent urination to the fact that they are constantly drinking something to quench their thirst. Especially, those working in labor who blame their hunger and increased thirst on the fact that they work hard and work up a sweat. Additional symptoms of diabetes such as constant fatigue and weight loss are also often thought to be a result of their labor.

With a history of diabetes in a persons family, these should be recognized as symptoms of diabetes and if left untreated can cause a host of subsequent health problems. Diabetes is the number one cause of retina damage leading to blindness, especially for those with untreated diabetes. Additional problems can include kidney failure, liver damage and heart problems. Problems with the vascular system can cause poor circulation, which often can lead to amputation of the feet or hands.

Reducing Risk Factors May Prevent Diabetes Triggers

There is little known about the actual cause of the disease and what triggers the loss of insulin production, but there are some risk factors known to be present in those with the ailment that are believed to help prevent it onset. While not everyone who has the symptoms of diabetes are overweight, it is known that weight is a contributing factor for those who develop Type 2, adult onset, diabetes.

Maintaining a health weight and getting proper exercise has shown to reduce or at least delay the onset of diabetes in many people, genetically predisposed to have diabetes. However, when the symptoms of diabetes appear and being tested positive by the doctor, a person should continue to practice the prevention methods as a means to help control diabetes.

While there no sign that age plays a role in the onset of diabetes, about 80 percent of those over the age of 60 have many of the symptoms of diabetes and each one must be dealt with on an individual basis. Consideration must be taken for age, activity levels, level of dependence and willingness to participate in a treatment regimen.