Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. There are two kinds of diabetes:
Type 1: People get sick quickly, over a few days to a few weeks
Type 2: Develops over years; people may not know they have it
Both types of diabetes are serious. Untreated diabetes can cause vision, hearing, heart, and kidney problems, and can be fatal.
Behaviors that may be telling you about diabetes:
Frequent urination, many trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night
Intense thirst, hunger; eats and drinks a lot
Eats too much, but loses weight
Mild to severe fatigue
Other factors that may indicate the presence of diabetes:
Family history of diabetes
Endocrine disorders, such as Addison's disease or thyroid disorder
Immune system disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
Ill or unhealthy appearance
Obesity
Blurred vision
Dry skin, frequent skin infections
Wounds heal poorly
Numb feet
Lately has frequent yeast (candida) infections
Dizziness
Do you think someone's behavior may be telling you about diabetes? Talk with your doctor or other health care provider. They can work with you to learn whether this is the case.