Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that is suffered by millions of people all around the world. Knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes is the best way to ensure that the problem can be detected before any major complications arise.

Millions of people all around the world suffer from diabetes. Sadly, as many as one third of these people do not realize they even have the disease. Most often, these people will not be diagnosed as being diabetic until a major complication arises. This is because most of the earliest symptoms of diabetes are most often mild, and people tend to dismiss them as being minor annoyances rather than a sign of something more symptoms. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes can help people to begin a treatment program as soon as possible rather than waiting until the disease has processed and become more severe.

When it comes to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the first symptoms typically go unnoticed because they can easily be ignored or explained by other, more mild causes. These symptoms include increased thirst and urination, difficulties maintaining a consistent weight, nausea, and extreme tiredness. Many people simply misdiagnose these symptoms and normal signs of getting older until more serious problems become apparent. Gestational diabetes, which occurs among pregnant women, comes with many of the same symptoms as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but there are a few other signs as well. One additional symptom of gestational diabetes is recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections. When left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to miscarriages or injury to the unborn baby, so it is extremely important to be tested for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Because the early signs and symptoms of diabetes do not stand out extremely well, it is important to always be aware of your health. That is, while being tired frequently may not seem like a big problem, it should raise some concern if it is combined with other diabetes symptoms such as extreme thirst or nausea. Whenever such symptoms appear suddenly, it is always a good idea to have them evaluated. If diabetes is caught early enough, it is sometimes possible to actually reverse the disease by changing one's diet. Even when reversing the disease is not possible, treating it and changing one's eating habits is often sufficient for avoiding any serious complications as a result of the disease.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. If you suspect diabetes you should seek the help of a professional immediately.

First we need to talk about the different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, previously termed juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In Type 1 diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugars and starches and other foods into energy. This type of diabetes affects approximately 5-10% of the diabetic community. Insulin therapy is used in treating this disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes effecting millions of Americans. This diabetes type is more prevalent in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians as well as the older community.

Type 2 diabetes suffers bodies either do not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin it does produce. In this case the insulin taken is used to utilize the glucose from food to avoid a build up of glucose in the system. This build up of glucose causes serious complications.

There are some basic signs and symptoms of diabetes to be aware of. For Type 1 diabetes the patient might have frequent urination, be unusually thirsty, extremely hungry, have unusual weight loss and show extreme fatigue and irritability.

For Type 2 diabetes patients they may have all or any of the Type 1 diabetes patient combined with frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts and or bruises that are very slow to heal, may experience a tingling and or numbness in the hands and or feet and have some recurring skin, gum and or bladder infections. That having been said, often people with Type 2 diabetes do not show any symptoms.

If you have one or more of these symptoms you should seek the advice of your physician immediately. Additionally, if you have a history of diabetes in your family, talk with you doctor about regular testing to be sure you do not miss any of the signs. To test for diabetes a blood glucose test is typically done after a fast. As always, pay attention to what your body is telling you and don't brush off things that might seem silly to you. Tell your doctor if you have any changes that might be of concern.