Many people with diabetes experience symptoms that don’t necessarily mean their diabetes is in fact serious. However, because a number of the symptoms can be prevented, or at least mitigated, the symptoms that appear can be taken as a sign of a problem that should be addressed immediately. Knowing what to look for will help you take the necessary steps to manage your diabetes.
The first factor that should be taken into consideration when diagnosing and monitoring diabetic symptoms is the body’s ability to process sugar. Since diabetes is not a life-threatening condition, all your body will do is try to compensate for a missing source of energy by absorbing the sugar you take in. This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of complications such as kidney damage, strokes, blindness, and peripheral vascular disease.
To make sure that you and your doctor are measuring the right things, an accurate diagnosis is necessary to properly monitor blood sugar levels. In some cases, if it appears that a patient’s glucose levels are higher than normal, the physician may order a test to verify the results. There are many types of tests available, depending on the type of diabetes that a patient has.
In general, doctors will always begin by measuring blood sugar levels. In adults with type 1 diabetes, glucose monitoring is usually an initial measure and is normally followed by a specific type of test. This can include more frequent blood draws and a special finger stick test to measure beta cells.
Monitoring diabetics’ blood sugar levels are easy because the sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream by the first pass through the pancreas. However, a person with diabetes should still check his or her sugar levels once a day, as prescribed by their doctor. Only with accurate readings can their doctors make the appropriate changes to the treatment plan.
Diabetics who experience significant weight loss, even after regular meals, should consider this as an indication of their blood sugar levels being out of balance. It is also a good idea to call the doctor’s office immediately after eating a meal containing large amounts of sugar. If it is determined that the blood sugar levels have been too high, the medication will be adjusted to a lower dose or an insulin injection may be administered. If the insulin is administered, the diabetic patient must follow the instructions given by the doctor.
Adults with diabetes can suffer from symptoms similar to those of the common cold such as dry cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and sore throat, just to name a few. Other common signs include fatigue, loss of appetite, and headaches. In some patients, the symptoms can be debilitating, so taking preventive measures such as making certain lifestyle changes, increasing activity, and getting proper nutrition is essential to getting through a cold.
Symptoms for both adult and childhood diabetes can vary by both type and severity of the condition. For children, most noticeable are respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. There can also be tics and jerky movements of the muscles. Adults often complain of feeling run down, with headaches, tiredness, insomnia, and stomachaches.
Diabetics of all ages may experience different signs and symptoms. However, adults may be confused by having a sharp pain in the arm, even when they are not working out. They may also feel their feet drop when they are running or cycling. In children, they may also experience sudden pains in the calves, stomach, back, or thighs, as well as the same signs seen in older patients.
All adults should be diagnosed early on for these symptoms, as it is not unusual for adults to experience them at times when they are experiencing a cold. Being aware of these signs can help you identify an underlying health issue that requires medical attention. These signs should also be reported to the proper authorities and health care providers to help take steps necessary to prevent further complications.
If any of these symptoms develop over time, your doctor will likely want to check your blood sugar levels and advise you on lifestyle changes that may help you decrease your weight and eliminate the need for medications. When a blood test reveals abnormally high levels of glucose, doctors may be able to intervene through insulin injections, or a metformin dietary supplement is also used.
