Diabetes Symptoms

Symptoms:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Impotence in men
  • Breath odor
  • Cessation of menses
  • Poor skin turgor

Additional symptoms that may be associated with diabetes:

  • Gums, bleeding
  • Ear noise/buzzing
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Tingling or numbness in the feet
  • Itching

Insulin Reaction Information

Low Blood Sugar/ Blood Glucose, Insulin Reaction, Hypoglycemia, Rapid Onset

WATCH FOR:
Excessive sweating,
Faintness headache,
Pounding of heart,
Impaired vision,
Trembling,
Hunger,
Disorientation,
Appearance of drunkenness

WHAT TO DO:
Give sugar (or foods, containing sugar; candies, juice etc)
Do not give food or fluid if patient is not conscious
Do not give insulin
Give glucagon if loss of consciousness
Call doctor

CAUSES:
To much insulin or oral medication
Not eating enough food
Unusual amount of exercise
Delayed meals
Alcohol on an empty stomach

Hyperglycemia Information

High blood sugar/ blood glucose, diabetes acidosis, hyperglcemia. Slow onset

WATCH FOR:
Increased thirst and urination
Large amount of sugar in blood and ketones in urine weakness
Abdominal pains
Generalized aches
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Heavy labored breathing
Disorientation

WHAT TO DO:
Call the doctor

Give patients fluids without sugar if able to swallow

(if approved by treating medical team, only if needed- give insulin)

Continue usual blood glucose/ blood sugar and urine test

CAUSES:
Too little insulin or oral medication
Failure to follow diet
Infection
Fever
Emotional stress

Self-blood glucose monitoring is a valuable tool in determining high or low blood sugar levels. For information on blood monitoring call your doctor or the Nevada Diabetes Association 800-379-3839.

You are at risk of Developing diabetes if you:

  • Are overweight
  • Are NOT physically active
  • Were told you have high blood sugar or high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
  • Have a parent(s), sister or brother with diabetes
  • Are a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth
  • Are 45 years old or older