What signs does our body give us when we have diabetes? How do we know if we have diabetes? In this post we are going to list the main symptoms of diabetes, signs of our body that we must know how to listen to and interpret in order to learn how to control diabetes .

How do I know if I’m diabetic? Main symptoms that warn us

As you probably know, diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism that prevents regulation of the amount of glucose in the blood. This may be because our pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or simply because the insulin it produces does not work properly. When glucose builds up in our blood system our cells do not receive enough energy and we end up experiencing the following symptoms s. Always remember to consult your doctor when identifying some of these symptoms.

“Lack of glucose in the cells and excess in the blood system give rise to a series of symptoms that warn us that we may be suffering from diabetes”

Increased urination

One of the first symptoms of diabetes is usually a considerable increase in the frequency with which we urinate , which shows an excessive presence of glucose in our blood. The frequency with which we go to the bathroom increases due to the lack or inefficiency of insulin, and the consequent inability of the kidneys to filter .

In short, our organism tries to expel the excess glucose through the channels it has, the urine being the most recurrent. Note also that in these cases our urine can develop a special smell . So if your frequency of urination increases considerably accompanied by a change in odour, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

2. Increased thirst

This point is directly related to the previous one. It is clear that if we increase the frequency with which we urinate, we will need to drink more water to compensate for the loss and to stay hydrated .

Water is a great tool to cleanse our kidneys of excess glucose. If you feel a supernatural thirst, do not deprive yourself of the litres your body asks for, remember to always drink as much as you need.

3. Weight loss

Rapid and significant weight loss is one of the most classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes . What is it usually due to? In these cases our body stops producing insulin, so our body has to look for alternative sources of energy . This is achieved by breaking down muscle and fat tissue, resulting in considerable weight loss.

This symptom can also occur in patients with type 2 diabetes, although weight loss is not usually as dramatic in these cases.

4. Fatigue and weakness

As we have already mentioned, the lack or inactivity of insulin means that glucose is not transported into the cells. Faced with this lack of the energy hormone, the cells look tired and weakened . This makes a diabetic feel more tired than usual.

If you notice that your body tires more easily during your day, that you can no longer keep up, or that your body is getting weaker by the day, you may have a problem with your insulin production and should consult your doctor.

5. Tingling and stiffening of the extremities

When glucose is not transported to the cells, it accumulates in our blood. This also damages our nervous system, especially in extremities such as hands and feet. This condition is known as neuropathy and manifests itself through the stiffness of the hands and feet , in addition to that recurrent tingling sensation.

In addition to consulting your doctor, we recommend this free guide to learn about the risks of glycaemic variations when you have diabetes and how to avoid them.

Do you know of any other symptoms that play a role in the detection of diabetes?

  • We recommend reading: “Diabetes and Mental Health”

Bibliographic references:

  • Alvin C. Powers (2016). “Chapter 417: Diabetes mellitus: diagnosis, classification and pathophysiology.” In Kasper, Dennis; Fauci, Anthony; Hauser, Stephen; Longo, Dan; Jameson, J. Larry; Loscalzo, Joseph. Harrison. Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e (19th edition). McGRAW-HILL.
  • Sanchez Rivero, Germán (2007). “History of Diabetes”. Bolivian Medical Gazette (Cochabamba, Bolivia) 30 (2): 74-78.