Early Signs and Symptoms of diabetes: Early symptoms of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, can be subtle or seemingly harmless. Over time, however, you may Diabetes is a disease in which the develop diabetes complications, even if you body’s ability to produce or respond to haven't had diabetes symptoms. In the the hormone insulin is impaired, United States alone, more than 8 million resulting in abnormal metabolism of people have undiagnosed diabetes, Treatments: carbohydrates and elevated levels of according to the American Diabetes Association. Understanding possible glucose (sugar) in the blood. • Insulin therapy diabetes symptoms can lead to early • Oral medications diagnosis and treatment and a lifetime of Diabetes can be broken down into • better health. If you're experiencing any of Diet changes two types, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 • Exercise diabetes involves the the following diabetes signs and symptoms, see your doctor. body attacking itself by The medications you take vary by mistake, this then the type of diabetes and how well the causes the body to stop making insulin. With medicine controls you blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes the Type 1 diabetics must have insulin. Type 2 body does not respond may or may not include insulin and may just like it should to the be controlled with diet and exercise alone. insulin the pancreas is If you notice any of these changes notify making. Your body tells the pancreas that it needs to make more insulin since the your health care provider. The earlier • insulin that is already there is not working. Excessive thirst and increased the condition is diagnosed; the sooner urination The pancreas works very hard to create the treatment can begin. Diabetes is a • Fatigue insulin, but over time it is not able to keep serious condition. But with your active • Weight loss up with what the body is telling it. participation and the support of your • Blurred vision health care team, you can manage • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections diabetes while enjoying an active, Created by: Cassandra Wilson RN, Hannah • Tingling hands and feet healthy life. Hunt RN, Charley Lilly RN, Brittney Thomas • Red, swollen, tender gums RN

American Diabetes Association. (2018) Treatment and care. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/