People with Type 1 diabetes lack sufficient insulin production from the pancreas, while type 2 diabetics do not respond to its effects. In both cases, blood sugar control goes haywire because insulin, the chemical responsible for regulating it, is not inadequate or is ineffective. Listed are the symptoms that mostly occur among diabetics.

Feeling of fatigue

Most diabetics will complain of always having low energy levels. Sugar or glucose is the primary energy source of the cells. Without insulin or if the cells are resistant to its effects, glucose is not utilized efficiently. The body then shifts to using fat for energy and drives the metabolism to work harder.

Unexplained weight loss

Because of the fact that the body lacks proper energy source in cases of diabetes, it metabolizes the fats present in order to compensate. This leads to weight loss despite adequate caloric intake.

Frequent Urination

Diabetics often urinate frequently and in large volumes. One of the body’s mechanisms of eliminating the excess glucose is through excreting it in the urine. Because of the high blood glucose, a lot of it is also filtered by the kidneys and causes the sugar content of the urine to rise too. Sugar attracts water into the urinary tract, causing voiding of great volumes of urine.

Excessive Thirst

As mentioned, diabetic patients tend to lose a lot of water from frequent urination. The water-depleted body sends a signal to the brain that it needs to increase water content. This is manifested as thirst, and in most cases, diabetics consume large amounts of water yet still end up feeling dehydrated.

Numbness of Hands and Feet

The glucose in the blood stream is further broken down into different byproducts. These byproducts, when accumulated, are harmful to the nerves. The nerves are the ones that provide us with the ability to sense and feel. Any damage to them causes abnormal sensations or even numbness, a condition called neuropathy.

Remember that diabetes is a systemic disease, meaning it affects the body as whole. Therefore, symptoms attributed to diabetes can also manifest in many ways. Other than those mentioned above, there are several other symptoms that can serve as clues to the presence of diabetes. These include blurred vision, poor wound healing, and recurrent infections.

All of the named symptoms arise when blood sugar levels are highly elevated. Luckily, diabetes can be controlled with right medications. These medications are prescribed according to the individuals’ needs and based on how they respond to them. Of course, a healthy well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and good stress management also supplement any medicine that may be given.

1. Take a walk

Walking regularly can help make your body more sensitive to insulin, increase weight loss, and give you better control of your blood sugar levels. Not only is it easy on your muscles and joints, but it rarely causes low blood sugar. Other modes of exercise, such as cycling, swimming, jogging, aerobics, and weight lifting can also be included in your exercise plan.

2. Take good care of your feet

Tending to your feet is essential in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. Your feet are vulnerable to poor circulation and diabetic nerve damage, making it easier for you to sustain injuries that do not heal and get infected. Be sure to wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes and socks, and be sure to check your feet at the end of each day to look for cuts, blisters, or other skin irritations.

3. Know high blood sugar symptoms

The symptoms of hyperglycemia differ for everyone, but, generally, if your blood sugar is high, you will:

• Have to urinate more frequently
• Feel extremely tired or will lack energy
• Feel hungrier or thirstier than usual
• Have blurry or distorted vision

Regulating your blood glucose levels is critical to living healthy.  Hyperglycemia puts you at risk for heart problems, infections, stroke, vision impairment, amputation, kidney disease, and sexual problems.

4. Lose weight

Being overweight makes blood sugar control especially difficult since this causes resistance to insulin. Excess weight may also raise your blood pressure, making you more prone to kidney disease or stroke.

5. Always carry healthy snacks

Carrying healthy snacks can help you avoid unhealthy alternatives, such as junk food or fast food, and can significantly reduce the chance of developing hypoglycemia. Choose wholesome snacks with 15 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving, particularly whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables.

6. Understand that sugar-free foods are not calorie- and carb-free

While a food labeled “sugar-free” must have less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, it could still contain calories and carbohydrates. Sugar-free pudding, for example, contains 0 grams of sugar per serving, but still has 70 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates.

7. Limit alcohol

Alcohol will interfere with your body’s ability to produce blood sugar. While a minimal amount will generally not cause low blood sugar, too much can result in low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

8. Get an annual eye exam

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States; however, many eye problems are treatable if detected early. People with diabetes are also prone to developing cataracts or double vision. An annual eye exam by a doctor who specializes in diabetic eye disease is the best way to detect eye problems in the early stages when they are most easily treated.

9. Be especially cautious about blood sugar during pregnancy

Babies born to diabetic mothers have greater risks for birth defects and stillbirth. However, many problems can be averted if you maintain near normal blood sugar before and during pregnancy. It is most critical to control your blood sugar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are forming in order to reduce these risks.

10. Employ a good healthcare team

Having a competent and compassionate healthcare team is the best strategy to manage diabetes.  Your family physician, a diabetes education nurse, and a nutritionist are all core members of your team and can help you live healthy with diabetes.