10 Silent Signs of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus type 2, sometimes called “sugar diabetes”, is one reason I have posted several articles about obesity. Obesity is strongly associated with diabetes.

People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of developing diabetes, and if they are diabetic, their blood glucose (sugar) will be more difficult to control. Unfortunately, some of the medicines used to treat diabetes cause weight gain, or make weight loss difficult.

Diabetes and obesity are interrelated; we don't always know which came first. — Diabetes and obesity are interrelated; we don’t always know which came first.

Diabetes is a serious disease.

People know cancer, heart disease, stroke, AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease are serious, but tend to pay little heed to diabetes. They would be more concerned if they realized that diabetes directly contributes to many other conditions that decrease quality as well as length of life.

Diabetes directly causes

atherosclerosis, a fancy name for narrowed or blocked arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygen rich blood; depending on which arteries this can lead to heart attacks, stroke, loss of vision-retinopathy, limb pain and amputation
loss of kidney function, called nephropathy, which can progress into ESRD (end stage renal disease)
damage to nerves, causing painful neuropathy with numbness and tingling in the feet, impotence, bowel and bladder dysfunction, dizziness among other symptoms.

diagram of the human heart — Heart diseases affect any and sometimes multiple parts of the heart- the atria, ventricles, the valves, the aorta, the pulmonary artery and veins, the walls and the coronary arteries (not shown in this diagram. )

Now there is good news.

First, diabetes is easy to diagnose; a simple blood test, sometimes repeated for confirmation, can find it quickly.

Second, through a combination of lifestyle and medication, diabetes can be controlled effectively.

diabetes-528678_1280 — Diabetes is treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. Many diabetic persons monitor their blood sugar regularly.

Anyone can develop diabetes; even children and teenagers are developing it now.

We know that some people are at greater risk- so they should be tested for possible diabetes at more frequent intervals. But anyone with these symptoms should see their doctor to discuss testing .

• extreme thirst
• increased hunger
• significant weight loss without trying
• unexplained fatigue
• blurry vision
• frequent urination
• tingling hands and feet
• sexual problems
• sores that don’t heal
heat intolerance in warm weather

Persons at higher than average risk include

older age, especially over age 40
overweight/obese persons
women with history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
Black, Native American and Hispanic persons in the United States; (worldwide various other ethnic groups are at higher risk)
Family history of diabetes, especially if in a parent or sibling
Persons with high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol

It is especially important to control blood pressure and cholesterol when diabetes is present.

Detailed information about diabetes can be found here

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health Information Center

Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

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