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How Do You Know If Your Diabetic


Yellow Reddish Or Brown Patches On Your Skin

Diabetes Tips : How to Tell If You Have Diabetes

Necrobiosis Lipoidica

This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown.

You may also notice:

  • The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
  • You can see blood vessels
  • The skin is itchy and painful
  • The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again

necrobiosis lipodica.

Take action
  • Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed.
  • Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
  • See a dermatologist about your skin. Necorbiosis lipodica is harmless, but it can lead to complications.

What Are The Different Types Of Diabetes

Normally, the body uses insulin to help muscle and fat cells take up glucose to use as energy, says Erica Weitzner, MD, an endocrinologist at Summit Medical Group in New Jersey. When you develop diabetes, your body stops using insulin effectively, which allows sugar to build up in your bloodstream.


  • Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas fails to produce insulinthe immune system destroys the cells that produce it. Previously known as juvenile diabetes, it can occur at any age.
  • Type 2 diabetes occurs when your cells do not respond as well to insulin as they should, and additional insulin is required to achieve the same effect as before, Dr. Weitzner explains. It mainly affects adults.
  • Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant womans hormones affect her ability to produce enough insulin for her body. Around 7% of women develop gestational diabetes.

Other Complications Caused By Diabetes

Blood sugar is not the only thing affected in dogs with unmanaged diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious health complications when it is not managed properly, ranging from minor concerns to life threatening issues.

Cataracts: About 75% of all dogs with diabetes will develop cataracts. Cataracts cause a cloudiness to develop within the lens of the eye, often leading to changes in vision or blindness if they are not corrected. Due to this, you should always speak to your vet about preventing cataracts if your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis : DKA is a severe complication in diabetic dogs. When the canine body is unable to gain access to glucose, it will begin to break down the storage of fats within the body. This occurrence leads to the production of ketones, which are essentially toxic to the body. If DKA is not addressed, dogs will begin to experience severe symptoms ranging from acute vomiting to neurological symptoms. This is usually seen in the final stages of diabetes, and is a sign that your dogs condition is currently unmanaged . DKA either requires aggressive medical treatment, or euthanasia if the owners are unable to treat.

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How Do I Know If I Have Diabetes

January 24, 2020 by Diabetes Care


Symptoms of diabetes can be very mild. Many symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar, however it is more difficult to detect symptoms for type 2 diabetes since the disease progresses very slowly. Usually you can only diagnose type 2 diabetes with a screening test. As a result, many Canadians are unaware that they have this condition.

Read on to learn more about:

  • Symptoms of diabetes
  • The different types of diabetes
  • Why early diagnosis is important
  • How to go about getting a diagnosis

Itching And Yeast Infections

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Excess sugar in the blood and urine provides food for yeast, which can lead to infection. Yeast infections tend to occur on warm, moist areas of the skin, such as the mouth, genital areas, and armpits.

The affected areas are usually itchy, but a person may also experience burning, redness, and soreness.

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Open Sores And Wounds

Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. You may have developed these if youve had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time.

Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for your body to heal wounds. This is especially true on the feet. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers.

Diabetes and feet

  • Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
  • Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.

Diabetes: 12 Warning Signs That Appear On Your Skin

Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin. When diabetes affects the skin, its often a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. This could mean that:

  • You have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes

  • Your treatment for diabetes needs to be adjusted

If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, its time to talk with your doctor.

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Risk Factors For Diabetes

There is no way to predict whether you will get type 1 diabetes. Since type 2 diabetes often occurs before any symptoms are displayed, it is important to understand whether you are at high risk for the condition. If you know diabetes is a risk, you can discuss a plan of action with your healthcare professional to stay alert for warning signs.

People at high risk for type 2 diabetes include:

  • Individuals with close family members with the condition.
  • Members of certain ethnic groups, including Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian, Hispanic and African groups.
  • Those who are overweight.
  • Individuals with diabetes-related health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  • Women who had gestational diabetes or who delivered a baby over nine pounds.

You can check your risk for diabetes by getting screened by a healthcare provider, or by doing the Canadian Diabetes Risk questionnaire. Just remember that having risk factors doesnt mean you will get diabetes. It just indicates that your risk of getting the disease is greater than that of the general public. Find more on diabetes risk factors and ways to reduce them here.

Your Dog Seems Stiff Or Weaker Than Usual

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Your dog may stumble, appear to be stiff or have difficulty lying down.

Dogs with diabetes can develop muscle weakness as a result of the lack of glucose going to their muscles, says Dr. Romine.


Another less common cause is diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to chronic or progressive hindlimb weakness, knuckling, muscle atrophy, and general weakness.

Although not as common, a diabetic dog can develop dropped hocks, a condition in which the rear legs are closer to the ground than where they should be, says Dr. Behrend. Owners can notice that the dog is standing weirdly or walking weirdly. Its kind of subtle.

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How Is Type 1 Diabetes Treated

Treatment means good diabetes control to minimize symptoms prevent health problems and help kids have normal physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development. To do this, parents and kids should aim to keep blood sugar levels within the goal range as much as possible.

In general, kids with type 1 diabetes need to:


  • take insulin as prescribed

Common Signs And Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of undiagnosed or poorly managed Type 2 diabetes include:

  • feeling thirsty all the time – drinking excessive amounts of liquids or unable to quench your thirst
  • peeing more than usual, particularly at night
  • feeling tired, lack of energy, sleeping more than usual
  • losing weight without trying to
  • frequent infections, cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
  • numbness, pain or tingling in your hands or feet
  • blurred vision
  • itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush

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How To Lower Your Risk

Good habits go a long way toward preventing the other health problems that diabetes can cause. Make these tips part of your regular health routine:

Keep tight control of your blood sugar. Itâs the best way to avoid diabetes complications. Your levels should stay in these healthy ranges as much as possible:

  • Between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals
  • Less than 180 mg/dL 2 hours after you start a meal
  • Glycated hemoglobin or A1C level around 7%

Watch your blood pressure and cholesterol. If theyâre too high, youâre more likely to get other health problems like heart disease. Try to keep your BP below 140/90 and your total cholesterol at or below 200. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you do that.


Get regular checkups. Your doctor can check your blood, urine, and do other tests to spot any problems. These visits are especially important, since many diabetes complications donât have clear warning signs.

Donât smoke. Lighting up harms your blood flow and raises blood pressure. If you need help to quit, your doctor can recommend treatments that might work for you.

Protect your eyes. Get a yearly eye exam. Your doctor can look for damage or diseases.

Why Should You Choose Ucf To Help With Your Diabetes Needs

The Surprising Ways Diabetes Affects Your Health

UCF Health Services are expansive and include the treatment of endocrine disorders. Regardless of the type of diabetes you may be experiencing, our expert doctors can help get you back to optimal health. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, Orlando Endocrinology Services have vast experience in caring for patients with diabetes or other endocrine disorders.

Endocrinology experts at UCF Health spend years studying the bodys delicate endocrine system. They have seen a variety of patients from all walks of life and work with a team of other knowledgeable medical professionals to ensure each patient receives robust, correct health care. Disorders of the pituitary gland are no joke and can severely affect ones quality of life.


To discuss insurance coverage or make an appointment, visit our patient portal today. We make it easy to get our patients the health care access they need.

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Why Is It Important For Diabetes To Be Diagnosed Early

Many people have diabetes for about five years before they show the symptoms of diabetes. By that time, some people already have eye, kidney, gum or nerve damage. There is no cure for diabetes, but there are ways to stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications.

If you get more exercise, watch your diet, control your weight and take any medicine your doctor prescribes, you can make a big difference in reducing or preventing the damage that diabetes can do. The earlier you know you have diabetes, the sooner you can make these important lifestyle changes.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes

Most pregnant women dont experience signs or symptoms of gestational diabetes. In fact, the only way to know is with a blood sugar test, typically given around 24 to 28 weeks gestation.


A few women may notice subtle signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes, including:

  • Increased thirst. Drinking more than normal and feeling like youre always thirsty may be a sign of gestational diabetes.
  • Fatigue. Pregnant women are tired, after all its a lot of work to grow and support a baby! However, gestational diabetes can make you feel even more tired than normal.
  • Dry mouth. A parched mouth despite drinking a lot can be another sign of gestational diabetes.

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This Is A Condition In Which Your Body Doesn’t Produce Or Use Adequate Amounts Insulin To Function Properly

Meal delivery services are everywhere these days, and it’s easy to see why. Do you or someone you know suffer from diabetes? Certain foods can increase the likelihood of heart disease, while others can decrease the risk. With over 170 recipes, there are plenty of options to keep your heart at its healthiest a. It results from a lack of, or insufficiency of, the hormone insulin which is produced by the pancreas. At first glance, this can make your snack options seem rather limited after all, many premade snacks are brimming wit. With over 170 recipes, there are plenty of options to keep your heart at its healthiest a. All people who have type 2 diabetes should adhere to a strict diet plan that focus. When you have diabetes, it’s important to choose foods that don’t elevate your blood sugar levels above a healthy range. Adding to the problem, approx. This is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce or use adequate amounts insulin to function properly. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you might’ve heard that your diet plays a vital role in how well you treat and manage this condition. When you consider the magnitude of that number, it’s easy to understand why everyone needs to be aware of the signs of the disea.

Adding to the problem, approx. Do you or someone you know suffer from diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition that is associated with high blood sugar.


Other Warning Signs Of Type 2

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You may not notice sudden symptoms of type 2 diabetes, but the warning signs listed above may alert you to an underlying condition. You may be diagnosed with diabetes because you go to the doctor for:

  • persistent infections or a slow-healing wound
  • complications that are associated with prolonged high blood sugar levels, such as numbness or tingling in your feet
  • heart problems

You may never experience obvious warning signs at all. Diabetes can develop over the course of many years and the warning signs may be subtle.

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Your Cuts And Bruises Take Forever To Heal

Reduced sensation in your extremities makes you more prone to injuries. Youre less likely to notice a cut because you cant feel it, which means youre less likely to take care of it and its more likely to get infected, says Goundan.


Then, once you do have an injury, uncontrolled diabetes can make it harder for your body to heal. High blood sugars provide a good environment for bacteria to grow, she says. That’s because diabetes is also often accompanied by high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and the resulting plaque buildup can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood supply and leading to slow healing.

Diabetes can also weaken the T-cells that make up your immune systemyour bodys defense against infection. When you have high blood sugar, its like delaying your bodys army to go to the wound to heal it, says Kellis.

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.

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Travelling With Diabetes Medicines

If you’re going on holiday:


  • pack extra medicine speak to your diabetes nurse about how much to take
  • carry your medicine in your hand luggage just in case checked-in bags go missing or get damaged
  • if you’re flying with a medicine you inject, get a letter from your GP that says you need it to treat diabetes

Page last reviewed: 18 August 2020 Next review due: 18 August 2023

What Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes Are The Same In Men And Women

Early Diabetes Symptoms

There are diabetes warning signs and symptoms that both women and men have in common, for example:

Men who have type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone than men who do not have diabetes. Because of the low levels of the hormone testosterone, men with diabetes can have unhealthy symptoms that are not seen in women with diabetes.

Low testosterone can cause , depression, lack of energy, and reduced muscle mass. It can also cause male-specific sexual problems and urological problems.

Erectile dysfunction , or inability to get or maintain an erection, is a common symptom of diabetes in men. Diabetic men experience erectile dysfunction at earlier ages than men who do not have diabetes.

Another diabetes-related sexual dysfunction symptom in men is reduced amounts of ejaculation, or retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which the semen goes into the bladder, rather than out of the body through the urethra. Diabetes and damage to the blood vessels causes nerve damage to the muscles that control the bladder and urethra, which results in this problem.

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