How do I know if I have diabetes? Main symptoms

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

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

As you probably already know, diabetes is a metabolism disorder that prevents the regulation of the amount of glucose in the blood. This may be due to the fact that our pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or simply because the insulin produced does not work properly. As glucose accumulates in our blood system, our cells do not receive enough energy and we end up experiencing the following symptomss. Remember to always check with your doctor when identifying some of these symptoms.

"The lack of glucose in the cells and the excess in the blood system give way to a series of symptoms that warn us that we may be suffering from diabetes"

1. Increased urge to urinate

One of the first symptoms of diabetes is usually a

significant increase in how often 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 ineffectiveness of insulin, and the consequent inability of the kidneys to filter.

Ultimately, our body tries to expel excess glucose through the channels it has, urine being the most recurrent. Note also that in these cases our rust may develop a special odor. So if your urination frequency increases considerably accompanied by a change in smell, 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 drink more water to compensate for the loss and 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 liters that your body asks for, remember to always drink as much as you need.

3. Weightloss

A rapid and considerable loss of weight 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 must look for alternatives as a source of energy. Thus, it achieves this by breaking down muscle tissues and fat, leading to considerable weight loss.

This symptom can also manifest itself in patients with type 2 diabetes, although weight loss does not usually occur so drastically in these cases.

4. Tiredness and weakness

As we have already commented, the lack or inactivity of insulin causes the glucose it is not transported to cells. Faced with this lack of the energy hormone, cells look tired and weak. This makes a diabetic feel more tired than normal.

If during your usual day you notice that your body tires more easily, that you can no longer keep up with the same rhythm or that you body weakens for days, it may be that you have a problem in the production of insulin so it would be advisable to consult with your doctor.

5. Tingling and stiffness of the extremities

As 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 evil is known as neuropathy and manifests itself through stiffening of the feet and handsIn addition to that recurring tingling sensation.

In addition to consulting with your doctor, we recommend this free guide to know the risks derived from glycemic variations when having diabetes and how to avoid them.

Do you know any other determining symptoms in the detection of diabetes?

• We recommend you read: "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.