Diabetes symptoms - how to recognize diabetes

Diabetes manifests itself in a variety of symptoms. Below we explain the most important signs by which diabetes can be recognized.

Diabetes is one of the most widespread diseases worldwide. According to the WHO, there are around 350 million people affected worldwide, in Germany there are an estimated 6 million. Diabetes is a disease of the metabolism and is often not recognized immediately. In variant 2, which occurs more frequently, it develops gradually and at the beginning there are no special symptoms.

Incidentally, the term diabetes mellitus stands for various diseases. What they have in common is that it is a metabolic disorder. The result: an elevated blood sugar level.

type 1 diabetes

Form 1 is not the most common type of diabetes. This is an autoimmune disease. A lack of insulin develops, which is why the affected person usually has to receive insulin injections throughout his life. This type of diabetes usually occurs at a young age.

Type 1 diabetes mostly develops within a few weeks, which means that the symptoms are clearly visible. First and foremost is increased thirst and frequent urination.

type 2 diabetes

This form is the more common type of diabetes. The body cells are no longer sufficiently sensitive to insulin, which results in a rising blood sugar level.

Type 2 diabetes is usually caused by a lack of exercise, poor nutrition, obesity, and sometimes a hereditary predisposition. In contrast to variant 1, older people are more likely to be affected, but younger people can also be affected.

Type 2 diabetes causes fewer symptoms than type 1, which is why it is more difficult to detect. The disease develops slowly and is therefore often discovered late. It is believed that only about half of those affected develop any symptoms at all. Diabetes is more likely to be recognized because diabetic consequential damage is present.

The symptoms

Let's look at the typical diabetes symptoms. The following signs in particular could indicate that it is diabetes. 

  1. Increased urination

If you have to go to the toilet all the time, you should pay attention. Diabetes can sometimes cause frequent urination, which is because the body tries to excrete the sugar in the blood through the urine. This symptom is particularly common in type 1 diabetes. 

  1. Strong thirst

Frequent urination, in turn, results in extreme thirst. Anyone who can suddenly drink a liter or two more should sit up and take notice.

  1. skin irritation

Dry and itchy patches of skin can be a side effect of diabetes. This is also a result of the body losing a lot of fluid through the urine.

  1. fatigue

Affected people often feel weak and worn out, they can't pull themselves together. 

  1. weight loss

Time and time again, people with diabetes lose weight for inexplicable reasons. On the one hand, this can be due to the loss of water, but on the other hand there are also other causes. If the body cells can no longer adequately cover their energy needs because the blood sugar utilization is insufficient, then the body falls back on its fat deposits. 

  1. Poorly healing wounds

Problems with wound healing is also a consequence of diabetes. In addition, the blood supply to the skin is generally poorer in the case of diabetes.

  1. Bad immune system

As a diabetic, you are usually much more susceptible to various infectious diseases, ranging from athlete's foot to cystitis and the common cold.

  1. Breath smells of acetone

This is a sign more common in Type 2: The breath has a distinctive odor of acetone.

  1. dizziness and nausea

Every now and then those affected complain about sudden dizziness and/or nausea.

  1. muscle cramps

Anyone who has muscle cramps does not necessarily have to have a magnesium deficiency. Sometimes diabetes is also behind it.

  1. Tingling or numb feet and legs

When legs and feet tingle or even become numb, it can be a sign of many different conditions - diabetes is one of them.

  1. Impotence and sexual apathy

Sexuality also suffers: those affected sometimes complain that the libido is lost or that potency is dwindling. This could be due to poor blood circulation.

You should see a doctor, especially if you have multiple symptoms. Only he can determine whether it is actually diabetes and if so, what type.

What can you do if you have diabetes?

With type 2 diabetes, you have some control over how severe the condition is. You should eat lots of fruit and vegetables, generally prefer low-fat foods and exercise regularly. Sport is therefore absolutely important when diabetes is diagnosed. Also important: drink enough (water or unsweetened tea) and pay attention to high-quality oils and fats.

Healthy and fit with dishes from Löwenanteil

Our ready meals have what many other ready meals don't have: great taste and selected ingredients. You can do something good for your body with it - the practical dishes in the glass are also ideal for diabetics.

So there is variety on the plate, even if it has to be done quickly. You get the dishes in bulk packs, they can be kept for a long time and are therefore ideal for storage.

Diabetes symptoms - how to recognize diabetes

 

FAQ

What are the typical signs of type 1 diabetes?

Excessive thirst and the urge to urinate are common signs of type 1 diabetes.

 

When do you notice symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes tends to be insidious, which is why symptoms are often not recognized right away. Sometimes the disease is only recognized by the accompanying diseases.

 

What kind of disease is diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease.