The Importance of Knowing the Symptoms

Diabetes is a disorder that prevents the body from turning food into energy. It kills more than 250,000 people in the United States each year. Untreated diabetes doubles the risk for heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause kidney failure, blindness and nerve disorders that lead to amputations.

Some Signs That Diabetes Is There
A person with diabetes cannot turn food into energy because the hormone insulin, which the body produces, is not present or because its function is blocked. Because of this inability to metabolize carbohydrates, some people with diabetes experience symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• extreme tiredness
• blurred vision
• increased hunger
• frequent need to urinate
• severe thirst
• unexplained weight loss

But remember: Many people who have diabetes experience no symptoms. The only way to diagnose diabetes and prevent the problems it can cause is by getting tested.