How To Tell If You Have Diabetes: Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms

By
Mercy Ekele
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Diabetic African American Woman Hold Use Blood Glucose Meter in Bedroom, Obese Lady Check Morning Insulin Sugar Level Test With Glucometer Lancet on Finger, Diabetes Diagnostic Concept

If you think you have diabetes, it is best to consult a medical professional immediately.

However, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes, in order to be treated as soon as possible if you do have the condition.

Here are some ways to know if you are diabetic:

If you have 2 or more on the list below, it is best to see your doctor for further evaluation. Common signs and symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive hunger
  • Blurry vision
  • Frequent urination (you wake 3 or more times in the night to urinate)
  • Fatigue (particularly after eating)
  • Feeling irritable
  • Wounds that don’t heal or heal slowly

People who live a sedentary life (with little or no exercise) are at a heightened risk of Type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight or obese, or who eat more sweets and refined carbohydrates than is ideal, are also at significantly higher risk of developing the Type 2 disease.

Read also: Premature Birth: Understanding Risk Factors Beyond Your Control

The only way to truly confirm whether or not you have diabetes is to see your doctor for diagnostic testing (in the form of blood tests). The numbers that come back on your blood tests will help to classify you as “normal,” “pre-diabetic” (meaning you are at very high risk of soon developing diabetes if you do not make some dramatic lifestyle changes), or “diabetic”.

  • It is best to know sooner rather than later whether or not you have the disease, because if you do, prompt treatment is key.
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