Detecting Diabetes - Signs, Symptoms, and A Suggested Course of Action

Diabetes is a medical condition that affects many of us, whether directly or through our loved ones. The estimated prevalence of diabetes among adults in the United States ranges from 5.3 to 12.1%. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25% of the 24 million Americans with diabetes remain undiagnosed while their bodies are slowly being damaged. To add, there are an additional 57 million Americans with pre- diabetes. Untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• excessive thirst
• excessive urination
• recurrent or difficult-to-treat infections
• weight gain or loss
• fatigue
• excessive nighttime urination
• blurred vision
• tingling of hands or feet

Many patients however are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.

If you have high blood pressure with a reading of (blood pressure >135/80 mmHg) you should consider being tested for diabetes. 

The American Diabetes Association recommends that starting at age 45, all adults get screened for diabetes. Those who are younger but have risk factors such as family history or obesity should be screened earlier.

If you suspect that you may be a diabetic, you should be tested as soon as possible. Children can be affected as well. Type 2 diabetes is now being seen in children and adolescents, and is rising in parallel with childhood obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the ADA recommend screening overweight children at age 10 or at the onset of puberty, especially if they have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.

frightening and overwhelming experience. It is necessary to find experienced and compassionate emergency physicians who will walk you through the testing process (usually a simple blood test), and if needed, the treatment process. Even better, find a clinic who will be there for you 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If your blood sugar levels are properly controlled, a physician can help you prevent or delay complications of the disease.