Understanding Diabetes
Did you know that the warning signs of diabetes can be so mild that, at first, they often go unnoticed? This is especially true for type 2 diabetes. Many people don’t find out that they have the condition until complications from long-term damage occur. With type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, symptoms usually appear quickly – within a matter of days or weeks. The symptoms also tend to be much more severe.
Diabetes is a silent disease that can lead to kidney damage, heart disease, stroke, blindness, renal failure, and even death.
Both types of diabetes have some of the same warning signs: Excessive thirst, Frequent urination, Dry mouth, Fatigue, Itchy skin, Hunger, Blurred vision, Unexplained weight loss, Wounds that won’t heal, Numb or tingling hands or feet.
Sources: Dr. Elmo Pretorius, Mediclinic Vergelegen; www.health24.com
