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Can You Have Diabetes And Not Know It


Faq: Frequently Asked Questions

Know Your Numbers: Diabetes

What are the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes?

Regardless of age, the most common symptoms of T1D are excessive thirst, fatigue, headache, and frequent urination.Why do people with type 1 diabetes urinate so often?

When sugar accumulates in a persons bloodstream, their body acts quickly to get rid of it by making extra urine. Excess glucose also triggers thirst signals in the brain, which results in drinking more and having to go to the bathroom more as well.

Why are type 1 diabetes symptoms different in children and adults?For reasons that still arent totally clear, the onset of T1D is much slower in adults, often taking months for symptoms to fully manifest, whereas in children, it may only take days. High blood-sugar levels are present for longer in the bloodstream of adults, meaning that there is more opportunity for long-term damage to organs and bodily systems. For instance, untreated high blood-sugar over several months time can lead to nerve and kidney damage, which is a complication often found in adults who have recently received a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, but hardly ever in children.What happens if type 1 diabetes is left untreated?T1D symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as eye damage, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Luckily, by working with your endocrinologist to manage your blood sugar, you can avoid all of them.


Early Signs Of Diabetes

Both types of diabetes have some of the same telltale warning signs.

  • Hunger and fatigue. Your body converts the food you eat into glucose that your cells use for energy. 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.
  • Peeing more often and being thirstier. The average person usually has to pee between four and seven times in 24 hours, but people with diabetes may go a lot more. Why? Normally, your body reabsorbs glucose as it passes through your kidneys. But when diabetes pushes your blood sugar up, your kidneys may not be able to bring it all back in. This causes the body to make more urine, and that takes fluids. The result: You’ll have to go more often. You might pee out more, too. Because you’re peeing so much, you can get very thirsty. When you drink more, you’ll also pee more.
  • Dry mouth and itchy skin. Because your body is using fluids to make pee, there’s less moisture for other things. You could get dehydrated, and your mouth may feel dry. Dry skin can make you itchy.
  • Blurred vision. Changing fluid levels in your body could make the lenses in your eyes swell up. They change shape and canââ¬â¢t focus.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can come on over time or suddenly. Sometimes, kids dont have diabetes symptoms yet and the condition is discovered when blood or urine tests are done for another reason. Kids who show symptoms may:

  • need to pee a lot
  • start to wet the bed after having been dry at night
  • be thirstier and drink more than usual
  • feel tired often
  • lose weight

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Are You At Risk For Prediabetes

Because prediabetes often has no signs or symptoms, many people dont know they have it. However, there are a number of risk factors that increase the chances for developing it.

To find out if you are at risk for prediabetes, take a look at the statements below. If you have one or more risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about testing. He or she can order a simple blood test to confirm it.


  • I am overweight.
  • I am 45 years of age or older.
  • I have a parent, brother, or sister who has type 2 diabetes.
  • I am physically active fewer than 3 times a week.
  • I have a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or low HDL.
  • I have given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds or I have had diabetes during pregnancy .
  • I have polycystic ovary syndrome .
  • I am African American, Hispanic/Latin American, American Indian, a Pacific Islander, or Asian American.

What Causes High Blood Sugar

Can You Have Diabetes and Not Know?

A hormone in the body, called insulin, plays a key role in how the body uses glucose for energy. Insulin is made in an organ called the pancreas and is released into the bloodstream after we eat. When certain cells in the body cannot absorb glucose as easily , there is a buildup of sugar in the blood. Over time, this causes the pancreas to make more and more insulin as it tries to get the cells to respond the way they should. Eventually the pancreas cant keep up and blood sugar levels rise. This can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers believe that being overweight and a lack of physical activity are among the leading causes of insulin resistance. Some other causes of insulin resistance may include taking certain medications, steroid use, hormones, issues with sleep , smoking, and older age.

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When Do People First Experience Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes

The majority of people with T1D first experience symptoms in childhood, typically between the ages of 4 and 14. A small number, however, develop symptoms in infancy or toddlerhood.

An even smaller subset of people with type 1 diabetes will be diagnosed as adults, after the age of 20. The onset of type 1 diabetes is slower in adults, so they might experience mild symptoms for a longer period of time before diagnosis than children typically do.


Type 1 diabetes symptoms in children look similar to the symptoms in toddlers and babies, with a few notable differences. Mood swings and irritability, for example, can affect anyone with T1D, but this common symptom might be mistaken for an ordinary temper tantrum in preverbal toddlers, or as colic in younger babies.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms in babies and toddlers include weight loss and stunted growth a condition known as failure to thrive which is rare in adults. Failure to thrive might be the only noticeable symptom of T1D in a baby or toddler, since older children can clue parents in to symptoms such as increased urination or blurred vision.

One important thing we need to point out is that type 1 diabetes is often associated with children, but it happens to adults as well, Dr. Christofides says. Adult-onset, or late-onset type 1 diabetes symptoms look slightly different and can be harder to recognize and diagnose as a result.

Eating A Healthy Balanced Diet

What you eat can make a difference to how you feel and how you manage your condition. Thats why weve got a huge range of tasty and nutritious recipes ready for you to try.

Whether youre cooking up a feast for dinner, or looking for something lighter for lunch, weve got you covered. Simply search by ingredient, meal type or dietary requirement and enjoy eating with diabetes.


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What Should I Do If I Think I Have Type 2 Diabetes

If you notice any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. The more symptoms you have, the sooner you should be seen. The earlier you can catch diabetes, the less likely you are to experience future complications from it.

When you see your doctor, they will run a blood test to look at your blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels. You may also be asked to take an oral glucose tolerance test. This test requires you to drink a very sugary beverage and then have your blood sugar measured over a period of a few hours.

When you have diabetes, your body cant use sugar properly, which causes sugar to build up in your blood. This is what the blood glucose test measures. A certain amount of that sugar will stick to the outside of your red blood cells. This is what the A1C number measures. While your sugar levels can go up and down throughout the day, your A1C takes longer to change. It represents your average blood sugar levels over the last 2 to 3 months.

If your test results show you have diabetes, your doctor will most likely start you on a medication called to help manage your blood sugar levels. They might suggest changing your diet and starting an exercise routine, too. You may also need to meet with an endocrinologist, a doctor who will focus on treating your diabetes. Their knowledge about diabetes will help make sure you get the most personalized care and treatment.


Tests For Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes Tips : How to Tell If You Have Diabetes

During pregnancy, your doctor will screen you for diabetes. First, youll have a glucose challenge test. After you drink a sugary liquid, your blood will be drawn and tested an hour later. Your blood sugar level is normal if its below 140 mg/dL. If its over 140 mg/dL, youll need to have an oral glucose tolerance test . Your doctor will explain the results.

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What Are The Warning Signs Of Diabetes

Untreated diabetes tends to cause worsening symptoms over time as chronically high blood sugar levels cause more damage to your tissues and organs. You may not recognize these warning signs in the beginning if theyre mild.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes tend to come on more gradually than type 1 diabetes. In the early stages of diabetes, there may be no symptoms at all.

Its important that you visit your doctor if you notice any potential warning signs of diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can severely damage the tissues and organs in your body.


Check If You Have Type 2 Diabetes

Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

  • peeing more than usual, particularly at night
  • feeling thirsty all the time
  • feeling very tired
  • losing weight without trying to
  • itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
  • cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
  • blurred vision

You’re more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:

  • are over 40
  • have a close relative with diabetes
  • are overweight or obese
  • are of Asian, African-Caribbean or black African origin

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What Exactly Is Prediabetes

Prediabetes involves your blood sugar levels. Youll have too much sugar in your blood, but not enough to meet the criteria for diabetes.


Blood sugar, which is another name for blood glucose, is important to control throughout your life. Blood sugar is the main sugar thats found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and its the main source of energy your body uses every day. Your blood carries the sugar to your bodys cells.

Even though prediabetes is not full-blown diabetes, having too much sugar in your blood can still damage your organs especially your kidneys. It may cause you to have too much protein in your urine, which stresses your kidneys.

Regular Testing Can Put You In The Know

Can you have diabetes and not know

Often what happens is people minimize the symptoms or rationalize them and they get worse until they become severe enough that they have to see someone, Dr. Pantalone says. They have excessive weight loss or are really tired of peeing all night.

Because symptoms of diabetes are often subtle or nonexistent, especially around the onset, its important to see your doctor regularly for a checkup and testing. This is particularly vital if you are overweight or have risk factors if diabetes runs in your family, for instance.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for type 2 diabetes if you are between the ages of 40 and 70. If results are normal, you should repeat the testing every three years. If you have a risk factor, the task force recommends beginning screening at a younger age and testing more frequently.


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Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This test also involves fasting for eight hours the night before. The next morning, your blood is tested to see what your fasting blood sugar level is. After your blood is drawn, youll be asked to drink a sugary liquid. Your blood sugar level will be checked an hour after that, and again two hours after. Your doctor may have it checked three hours later too. Your result is normal if after two hours your blood sugar is less than 140 mg/dL. You may have prediabetes if your blood sugar is between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL. If your blood sugar is 200 mg/dL or more, this indicates diabetes.

Treating And Managing Diabetes

Lifestyle choices are a great way to help your body learn how to properly use what it makes to metabolize its intake. This includes being active and making healthy food and drink choices.

Another option for managing your prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is bariatric surgery. There are multiple types of bariatric surgery that may be right for you and your body. Because the leading cause of type 2 diabetes is obesity, bariatric surgery to help you lose weight can be your top defense against this chronic condition.

Weight loss is not easy, but with the team at Advanced Laparoscopic Associates, your journey can begin right away. From choosing the right surgery for you, to completing a post-operative nutrition plan, ALA will be here for you every step of the way. Lets tackle type 2 diabetes together. Contact us today to get started.


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How Can Parents Help

Now is the perfect time to help your child to create healthy habits for life. Heres how:

  • Get involved with daily care. Help your child put their care plan into action every day. From counting carbs, to calculating insulin doses, and giving injections, theres a lot to learn at first. Share the responsibilities with your child. Over time, theyll be able to take on more on their own. Turn to your childs care team with any questions about the care plan or daily care.
  • Learn all you can about diabetes. The more you know about type 1 diabetes, the more confident youll feel about helping your child manage it day to day. And a solid understanding of diabetes lets you advocate for your child. You can share your knowledge with important people in your childs life, like grandparents, teachers, coaches, and babysitters. Doing so helps you build a community of support for your child.
  • Encourage your child. It can take a while to adjust to the new responsibilities that come with type 1 diabetes. Remind your child that many kids their age have type 1 diabetes, and they follow a similar care plan. If your child has concerns that youre not sure how to handle, ask the care team. Theyll connect you with the right resources.

Having a child with type 1 diabetes may seem overwhelming at times, but you’re not alone. If you have questions or problems, reach out to your childs diabetes care team they can help with all kinds of issues, and will guide your family through this journey.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Diabetes, What You Need To Know: Uncovered
  • How did I get diabetes?
  • If I have diabetes, will my children develop it, too?
  • Will I need to take insulin?
  • If I dont have a family history of diabetes, can I still get it?
  • Can your diabetes get worse even if you do everything right?
  • Can I prevent gestational diabetes?
  • If I had gestational diabetes while pregnant, will I get type 2 diabetes later?
  • Will the babies of a mom with gestational diabetes develop diabetes?
  • How can I tell the difference between Charcot foot and gout in my foot?

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Outbreak Of Small Reddish

When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though.


Eruptive-xanthomatosis

These bumps appear suddenly and clear promptly when diabetes is well-controlled.

When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though. No matter where they form, they are usually tender and itchy. The medical name for this skin condition is eruptive xanthomatosis.

Take action
  • Tell your doctor about the bumps because this skin condition appears when you have uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes.

How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes

Common warnings signs of diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst.
  • Increased hunger
  • Dry mouth.
  • Frequent urination or urine infections.
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches.

Can a child can have diabetes?

childdiabeteschildhaveChildrenhavehaveCommon warnings signs of diabetes include:


  • Increased thirst.
  • Increased hunger
  • Dry mouth.
  • Frequent urination or urine infections.
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal.
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet

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Risk Factors And Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes is an illness thats often brought on by lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors, including:

  • Carrying excess weight
  • Sores that are slow to heal
  • Frequent infections
  • Fatigue

If you start experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should come into Essential Medical Clinic as soon as possible. The sooner we can make a diagnosis, the sooner we can aim to halt or reverse the condition.

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