Each year in America, almost two million adults over the age of twenty are diagnosed with diabetes. In children, there are just under 200,000 diagnosed yearly. Sadly, as startling as these statistics are, there are seven million of us who have diabetes and have not been diagnosed. As November is American Diabetes Month, it is a good time to get screened by your doctor to know for sure if you are at risk, as well as familiarize yourself with the symptoms of diabetes.
Children
The symptoms of diabetes in children can at times imitate other illnesses, such as the flu, and make it difficult to spot. There are some prevalent signs, however, that are very apparent and easy to look for in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, look for extreme thirst and urination. Also, along with the unquenchable thirst, the child may still suffer from dehydration. Another thing to look for is unexplained weight loss, even though the child may have a large appetite. In type 2 diabetes, avid thirst and urination also exists, but there are additional symptoms to look for. Watch for unexplained irritability, a never satisfied appetite, sluggishness, and cuts or lesions that heal slower than normal. You may also notice a sweet smell in their breath – almost fruity.
Adults
In adults, one of the most prominent signs of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the presence of dark spots on the skin that emerge in the creases, such as arms, armpits, and other folds of the body. This, along with an insatiable appetite and extreme thirst, while still losing weight, are also key symptoms. Fuzzy vision or other eye problems may also occur. In type 2 diabetes, an additional symptom to look for is if a sore, blister, or infection takes an extreme amount of time to heal.
Remember that early detection is key in getting the proper treatment. According to the American Diabetes Association, billions of dollars are spent on research yearly to combat and to find a cure for diabetes. There have been many new treatments developed, and there is great promise for the future for those who have diabetes.
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