World Diabetes Day: What are the symptoms?

1 in 10 adults now live with diabetes around the world – that’s 537 million people – and almost half of those are undiagnosed. Plus, 4 out of 5 parents have trouble spotting the warning signs of diabetes. With cases predicted to rise to 643 million by the year 2030, and 784 million by 2045, raising awareness of the condition as a part of World Diabetes Day on 14th November 2021 is paramount so people can get access to the diabetes care they need.

Here at Linbury Doctors, our members get access to their own dedicated private GP, who they can access via phone, text or email. With home visits and flexible appointment times, our private GPs take the time to get to know you and your medical history, putting your healthcare first. To find out more about our memberships, visit our membership page here, or give us a call on 0333 050 7338.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes means that glucose (sugar) levels in the blood are too high, and the body can’t produce enough insulin to control it. Insulin is made in the pancreas, which normally helps the body to use sugar for energy.

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces insulin, so daily injections of the hormone are needed to keep glucose levels under control. It’s important to note that type 1 diabetes is not linked with age or weight (however these things are linked with type 2 diabetes).

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes – Feeling very thirsty, urinating more than usual (especially during the night), feeling very tired, losing weight, reoccurring thrush, blurred vision, cuts and grazes that are not healing, fruity-smelling breath.

Type 1 symptoms can occur at any age but come on particularly quickly in children. To be tested, your GP will take a urine sample and may check your glucose levels. After diagnosis, you will be shown how to manage your glucose levels and inject insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to become too high. It can increase the risk of serious issues with the eyes, heart and nerves. Type 2 diabetes is caused by problems with the production of insulin and is often linked with being overweight and/or inactive, or having a family history of the condition.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes – feeling very thirsty, urinating more than usual (especially during the night), feeling very tired, losing weight without trying, reoccurring thrush, cuts or wounds taking longer to heal, blurred vision.

There is a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you are over 40 years of age (or 25 for south Asian people), have a close relative with the condition, are overweight or obese, or are of Asian, African-Caribbean or black African origin.

Those with type 2 diabetes are usually diagnosed when having blood or urine tests for something else. However, if you experience any of the symptoms, it is important to contact your GP to be tested. A urine and blood test will be arranged to check for blood sugar levels. In many cases, managing diet and lifestyle can help improve your blood sugar levels; you may be advised to change your eating habits and get more exercise.

Your GP may prescribe medicine, usually metformin, which comes in the form of a pill. Insulin is not often used for type 2 diabetes; however, it may be introduced into your diabetes care if other medicines are not effective.

Diabetes Care

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms stated above, please contact your GP. As a member of Linbury Doctors, you can book an appointment at a time that suits you, in the comfort of your own home. We will spend time getting to know you and understanding your health and lifestyle. Our doctors are experienced in general practice and will be able to advise on the best steps for you.

To find out more about diabetes care, Diabetes UK is a great resource.