Can I be diabetic and not know?

Some people don't notice any symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you're an adult, though more and more children and teens are developing it. Because symptoms are hard to spot, it's important to know the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Make sure to visit your doctor if you have any of them.


What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes: Urinating often. Feeling very thirsty. Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating.

What happens if you are diabetic but don't know?

People with type 2 diabetes often have no symptoms at first. They may not have symptoms for many years. According to Medlineplus.gov, early symptoms of diabetes caused by a high blood sugar level may include: Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly.


How long can diabetes go undetected?

However, it frequently can go undiagnosed for years unless a physician draws a blood sample to check the blood glucose. In the early stages of Type 2 diabetes, you experience few to no noticeable signs of the disease. As time goes by and the untreated blood glucose continues to rise, symptoms begin.

What are the first signs of being diabetic?

Extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, fatigue and weakness, blurred vision, irritability, and other mood changes. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. The best way to determine if you have type 1 diabetes is a blood test.


Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It



What does untreated diabetes feel like?

Symptoms include sexual problems, digestive issues (a condition called gastroparesis), trouble sensing when your bladder is full, dizziness and fainting, or not knowing when your blood sugar is low.

What are the silent symptoms of diabetes?

10 Silent Symptoms of Diabetes
  • Frequent urination. Most people urinate four to seven times in a day. ...
  • Excessive thirst. ...
  • Extreme hunger. ...
  • Weakness/fatigue. ...
  • Pins and needles. ...
  • Blurry vision. ...
  • Itchy skin. ...
  • Slow healing wounds and increased skin infections.


What is often mistaken for diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is commonly confused with urinary tract infection, stomach flu, strep throat, or viral infections (like mononucleosis), as these conditions all have symptoms that overlap with diabetes.


Do you gain weight with undiagnosed diabetes?

The short answer is yes, gaining weight with diabetes is possible. People with diabetes indeed often struggle with weight gain due to medications plus a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain, which results in higher blood glucose and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

What color is diabetic urine?

If you have diabetes insipidus, you'll continue to pee large amounts of watery (dilute), light-colored urine when normally you'd only pee a small amount of concentrated, dark yellow urine.

Can you live with untreated diabetes?

Untreated diabetes can lead to long-term complications or even death. In people with type 2 diabetes, these complications can include heart disease, kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), or vision loss. Sometimes, diabetes goes untreated because it hasn't been diagnosed.


How does diabetes make you feel?

The symptoms you experience won't exactly match those of another person. However, the most common diabetes symptoms experienced by many people with diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, feeling tired and losing weight.

What do diabetic feet look like?

Dry, cracked skin on your feet. A change in the color and temperature of your feet. Thickened, yellow toenails. Fungus infections such as athlete's foot between your toes.

At what weight does diabetes start?

Being overweight (BMI of 25-29.9), or affected by obesity (BMI of 30-39.9) or morbid obesity (BMI of 40 or greater), greatly increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The more excess weight you have, the more resistant your muscle and tissue cells become to your own insulin hormone.


Do you get skinny when you have diabetes?

Because the sugar stays in your blood, your body doesn't get the fuel it needs. As a result, it begins burning fat and muscle for energy, which can result in unexplained weight loss.

What can undiagnosed diabetes look like?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).

What are the red flags for diabetes?

Are Your Glucose Levels Unstable? Watch for These 7 Red Flags in Diabetes.
  • Urinating frequently.
  • Feeling extremely hungry or thirsty.
  • Feelings similar to drunkenness.
  • Unusual behaviors, which may also indicate low blood sugar.
  • Infections, bloody or swollen gums, or foot sores.


What is the biggest symptom of diabetes?

Hunger and fatigue.

But your cells need insulin to take in glucose. If your body doesn't make enough or any insulin, or if your cells resist the insulin your body makes, the glucose can't get into them and you have no energy. This can make you hungrier and more tired than usual.

How do I check if I have diabetes?

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

What are diabetic legs?

High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout the body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in the legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms include pain and numbness in the legs, feet and hands.


Why can't diabetics cut toenails?

Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails

Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes.

What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?

When you have diabetes, high glucose levels in the blood can damage nerves and blood vessels. Because the nerves and blood vessels supplying the feet are so long and delicate, the feet — and especially the toes — often get affected first.

Can diabetes come on suddenly?

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can start quickly, in a matter of weeks. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly—over the course of several years—and can be so mild that you might not even notice them.


What is the life expectancy after diabetes?

People With Diabetes Can Live Longer by Meeting Their Treatment Goals. Life expectancy can be increased by 3 years or in some cases as much as 10 years. At age 50, life expectancy- the number of years a person is expected to live- is 6 years shorter for people with type 2 diabetes than for people without it.

Does diabetes affect your sleep?

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov with type 2 diabetes have sleep problems due to unstable blood sugar levels and accompanying diabetes-related symptoms, High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during the night can lead to insomnia and next-day fatigue.