How to Determine If One Has Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body stops effectively producing insulin, the natural compound responsible for turning sugars from food into energy. Diabetes is a very common disease that affects both children and adults, and determining if one has the disease is usually done by performing glucose tests such as the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test. However, if you would like to know if you may have diabetes without waiting for tests to be performed, you can look for simple warning signs that will point you in the right direction.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for a change in thirst and urination patterns. If you experience a sharp or sudden change in your frequency of urination, you may need to see your doctor to discuss the possibility of diabetes. Also, monitor your thirst patterns. Constant thirst is another red flag to look for.

• 2

  Keep an eye on your weight. Weight is another good indicator of possible diabetes. Frequent urination flushes out more sugars in your body, causing you to lose weight quickly. Quick weight loss with seemingly no cause can point to diabetic issues.

• 3

  Check for uncomfortable sensations in your lower and upper extremities. Tingling or burning in your feet and hands could be caused by a high level of blood sugar. Individuals with diabetes usually have too much sugar in their blood, and this can cause nerve damage and subsequent pain like tingling and burning.

• 4

  Pay attention to your dental health. This may not seem like a very dependable sign to look for when determining if an individual has diabetes; however, diabetes is known to decrease the body's ability to fight off germs and diseases, and this can be evident in your gums and teeth. Look for gum infections, new mouth sores or ailments, and loose, troublesome teeth when checking your mouth. These problems can point to potential diabetes.