Over 30 million Americans have diabetes, or one in every 11 people, according to the American Diabetes Association.
That number is expected to grow over the next few years, considering millions are currently living with prediabetes.
Plus, public health officials estimate roughly eight million adults still remain undiagnosed and unaware they have diabetes, as there are many cases where symptoms of the condition only present in later stages.
Left untreated, diabetes effects can lead to a whole host of serious health complications. The condition can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, pregnancy problems and vision loss, among others.
While hyperglycemia or high levels of blood sugar is the most common, tell-tale sign of diabetes and prediabetes, there are many other symptoms that can go unnoticed for years, even as the condition gets worse. Recognizing these symptoms and changes in the body is important to identify diabetes as early as possible. Early treatment or lifestyle changes could help reverse diabetes and prevent complications.
Related: Study Uncovers There Are Actually 5 Types of Diabetes
One study suggests that adults who committed to reversing their diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices reduced their risk of diabetes by 58 percent.
Here are some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes:
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of wounds
- Unexplained weight loss
- Kussmaul respirations or heavy breathing
- Frequently feeling thirsty
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Pain and numbness in the limbs, feet and hands
Type 2 diabetes may cause:
- Dark patches on the folds and creases of the body
- Chronically dry and itchy skin
- Sudden weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Increased infections
- Pain, swelling or numbness of the hands and feet
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