5 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes means that you either do not know you have it yet or you are neglecting your health. Click here to learn the signs and symptoms.

Facing a serious medical condition like diabetes can be a scary thing. But it’s also not something to be taken lightly.

Some people ignore symptoms and warning signs until they develop uncontrolled diabetes. Others don’t even realize they have a problem.

Knowing the warning signs of uncontrolled diabetes could be a matter of life and death in serious cases.

Here we’ll cover some of the most basic and alarming warning signs that you may be suffering from uncontrolled diabetes and how to treat it.

1. Frequent Infections

Increased blood sugar levels increase your susceptibility to infections. It also makes it more difficult for your body to recover from an infection or wound.

Slow or difficult healing could be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. People with diabetes are also at higher risk for the following infections:

• Skin infections
• UTIs (urinary tract infections)
• Respiratory infections
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Yeast infections
• Ear infections
• Ulcers

Without prompt treatment, some of these infections could be life-threatening. Pay close attention to any changes and seek medical attention if you suspect diabetes is slowing the healing process.

2. Increased Urination

Have you noticed a significant increase in the number of times you urinate? People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes often see a spike in the need to urinate and the amount. This condition is known as polyuria.

Polyuria occurs when the body is trying to expel excess glucose in the blood. High blood sugar also causes many people to drink more which, in turn, causes them to urinate more frequently.

3. Increased Thirst and Appetite

Another common sign of uncontrolled diabetes is extreme thirst. This is most common in those suffering from type 1 diabetes but can happen with type 2 diabetics as well.

High glucose levels cause dehydration and increased thirst. It also reduces the body’s ability to absorb water.

In some cases, diabetes prevents the body from using stored glucose for energy. Your body may trigger hunger signs in an effort to get extra fuel and energy.

For some diabetics, increased hunger leads to weight gain while others have increased appetite with no weight gain.

4. Weight Loss

On the other side of the spectrum is weight loss due to uncontrolled diabetes. This occurs depending on how your body processes and uses glucose.

Weight loss or weight gain differs on a case-by-case basis. It all depends on how your body uses, absorbs, and processes glucose for energy.

If you notice an increased appetite alongside weight loss, you may be suffering from uncontrolled diabetes.

5. Fruity Breath

When blood sugar levels are high, you may notice that your breath smells sweet or fruity.

If your body can’t properly access and use glucose for energy, it burns stored fat. This creates a chemical reaction known as acetone, which may also cause a fruity smell.

While this might sound like a pleasant, non-life-threatening side effect, it’s actually quite serious. If you notice your breath smells sweet or fruity, you should seek medical attention immediately.

It could be a sign of DKA, or diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.

Protect Yourself By Knowing the Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Have you noticed a change in your weight, appetite, or ability to heal from a wound or infection? These are all potential signs of uncontrolled diabetes.

The sooner you recognize these warning signs, the sooner you can get the help and medical attention you need.

Adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine can help you manage your diabetes diagnosis.

The professionals at Army Gymnastics are dedicated to helping you live your best, healthiest life.

Contact us for more information on creating a diet and exercise plan that’s right for you.