Yes, it is possible to have diabetes for years and not know it. According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 8. 1 million people in the United States have diabetes but do not know it.
Often, people with diabetes do not display any symptoms, which can make it difficult to detect the condition. Some warning signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, sores that are slow to heal, and unintended weight loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should speak to your healthcare provider to determine if you should get tested for diabetes. In addition, some people may experience a condition called prediabetes, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered diabetes.
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have diabetes, or anything else, in order to get tested and receive an accurate diagnosis.
Can diabetes go undetected for years?
Yes, diabetes can go undetected for years. This is because symptoms of diabetes can be very mild or nonexistent, especially in its early stages. High blood sugar can go unnoticed until major health complications develop, such as eye damage, kidney problems, or nerve damage.
If diabetes is left unchecked and untreated, serious health issues can arise. Complications of diabetes include heart attack, stroke, hypertension, nerve damage, kidney damage, and blindness. Additionally, people with diabetes are at an increased risk for other health problems, including depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, and digestive issues.
Therefore, it is important for anyone who may be at risk for diabetes to speak with a doctor about their risk factors and get regular blood sugar tests. Early diagnosis of diabetes is key to avoiding long-term complications.
What does undiagnosed diabetes feel like?
Undiagnosed diabetes can cause a range of symptoms that may not be initially immediately attributive to the condition and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurry vision and slow healing sores or cuts.
In more serious cases, symptoms can also include vomiting and stomach pains.
Since diabetes is caused when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone which is responsible for helping to regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream, many of the symptoms associated with undiagnosed diabetes can be attributed to a lack of energy and propel high blood sugar levels.
Therefore, a feeling of lethargy and tiredness is indicative of diabetes and can lead to a profound loss in energy and overall fatigue that can impact an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. Another common, yet possibly subtle symptom of diabetes that can be an early indicator is a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands and feet.
It is essential for individuals to take note of any symptoms that may be warning signs of diabetes as the long-term effects can be extremely serious and lead to heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol and even blindness.
The condition can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and diet once diagnosed, so early detection and diagnosis of diabetes is key for successful treatment and management.
How long can you live with untreated diabetes?
The answer to this question can vary greatly and depends on a few factors. Without treatment, people with diabetes can live relatively short lives due to health complications caused by the condition.
Over time, diabetes can lead to serious complications that can be fatal if left untreated. People with diabetes often develop heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and foot problems.
These complications can eventually lead to organ failure and ultimately death. The life expectancy of people with diabetes can be significantly lowered if frequent visits to their doctor and lifestyle changes such as exercise, a balanced and healthy diet, and proper medication management are not implemented.
With proper management and lifestyle modification, people with diabetes can have a relatively normal life without severe health issues. With improved management, people with diabetes can have a better quality of life and potentially live longer.
What happens to your body if you have undiagnosed diabetes?
If a person has undiagnosed diabetes, their body is unable to properly regulate their blood sugar levels. This can result in a whole range of symptoms and, over time, can cause serious damage to the body.
Some common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, intense hunger and fatigue, slow healing wounds, blurry vision, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Over time, the effects of undiagnosed diabetes can be severe, including kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, heart and circulation problems, and an increased risk for stroke and heart attack.
If diabetes is left undiagnosed and untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to coma, or even death. It is therefore extremely important to speak to a doctor if you think you may have diabetes, or if you have any of the signs and symptoms.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious damage and reduce future risks.
What are the 3 main signs of diabetes?
The three main signs of diabetes are an increase in thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. An individual with diabetes may also experience fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts or sores, and weight loss.
An increase in thirst occurs due to an excess of circulating blood glucose causing osmotic pressure to draw additional water out of body tissues and concentrating the blood. This increase in thirst leads to more frequent and greater amounts of liquid intake and urination.
Increased urination is primarily due to the excess of circulating glucose being excreted in the urine. The body cannot absorb the glucose, and as a result, waste is removed from the body through urination.
The increased hunger is due to a deficiency of glucose in the body cells. When cells lack glucose, it counters the hunger or craving for something sweet. When this happens, an individual’s appetite will increase.
Weight loss can also occur due to the body not being able to use the energy stored in glucose, causing it to consume other energy sources such as fat tissue.
Diabetes can also cause serious health issues such as nerve damage, kidney damage, heart disease, stroke and blindness. Any signs or symptoms of diabetes should be taken seriously and professional medical help should be sought out immediately.
What is silent diabetes?
Silent diabetes, also called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), is a slow developing form of Type 1 diabetes. Unlike the more common form, which usually strikes people in their youth and requires daily injections of insulin, people with silent diabetes are usually adults and may even be able to control it with diet and exercise.
Silent diabetes occurs when the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, similar to Type 1 diabetes. However, the destruction of the beta cells is slower, leading some people to be unaware that they have the condition until later in life when it is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of silent diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, and unplanned weight loss. It is important to diagnose silent diabetes early in order to reduce the risk of complications.
Regular blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are key components of managing the condition. Diabetes education classes can also help teach people how to manage their diabetes and take their medications correctly.
Can diabetics be silent and not know?
Yes, it is possible for diabetics to be “silent” and not know they have the condition. This is known as latent or latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA). People with LADA have diabetes symptoms which are often mistaken as only being signs of aging or stress.
In LADA, the immune system slowly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a decrease in overall insulin production without producing the typical signs of type 1 diabetes. As a result, diabetes is often not diagnosed until late in the disease process and people may have had diabetes for some time prior to diagnosis.
Other classic signs that diabetes is present but not yet diagnosed include blurry vision, excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, and slow-healing wounds. It is important to visit a doctor immediately if any of these signs are present and take the necessary steps to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can untreated diabetes lead to death?
Yes, it is possible for untreated diabetes to lead to death. In people with type 1 diabetes, death can occur when blood glucose levels become extremely high or extremely low, both of which can occur when the disease is not managed effectively.
When blood glucose levels become too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia may occur. Severe hypoglycemia can cause a person to become unconscious and can even be fatal if not treated promptly.
In people with type 2 diabetes, death can occur from a variety of causes that may be related to diabetes, including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, and other conditions. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater their risk of these associated conditions.
This is why it is important for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels within the recommended ranges and to manage their diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication.
What is the longest you can live with diabetes?
The maximum amount of time one can live with diabetes depends on several factors, such as how well they manage their condition, age, and additional health issues that may arise. Diabetes can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
A study published in 2016 suggests that the maximum life expectancy for someone with diabetes is 77. 8 years. This is significantly lower than the average life expectancy of 82. 6 years for men and 85.
1 years for women in the United States. That being said, it is possible for someone with diabetes to live well into their 80s and beyond if they practice diligent management of their condition.
Individuals who have had diabetes for many years have a greater chance of developing further health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It is important for those with diabetes to not only closely monitor their blood sugar levels, but to also see their primary care physician for regular physicals and lab work to evaluate for symptoms associated with other conditions.
By understanding the risks associated with diabetes, implementing preventative strategies, and closely following the guidance of their physician, those living with diabetes can ensure they have a healthy life expectancy.
What is the most common cause of death in diabetes?
The most common cause of death in diabetes is cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke than those without diabetes.
Other conditions that are associated with diabetes—such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol—also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other causes of death in people with diabetes may include kidney disease, nerve damage, and complications from diabetes medications.
Can you live a long life with diabetes?
Yes, it is possible to live a long and healthy life with diabetes. The most important thing for anyone living with diabetes is to take care of their health by managing their diabetes well. This means exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, monitoring your blood glucose levels, taking your medications as prescribed, and visiting your healthcare provider for regular check-ups.
It’s also important to practice good foot and skin care, as people with diabetes are more prone to developing foot ulcers and other skin conditions. It’s also important to be aware of possible complications that can arise from diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage.
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but it is achievable. Whether it is through online programs, lifestyle coaches, support groups, or simply finding people who have experience living with diabetes and learning from them, there are many options for people with diabetes to get the support and education they need to live a long and healthy life.
How long can you have diabetes without knowing?
It is possible to have diabetes for a long time without knowing it, especially if it is type 2 diabetes. In fact, most people with type 2 diabetes go undiagnosed for several years before they are aware they have the condition.
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately one in four people with diabetes in the United States do not know they have it.
Studies have shown that people can have diabetes for up to eight years without knowing it. Many of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which often starts out with mild or non-existent symptoms. Common symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and unexpected weight loss, may not be present in the early stages.
As a result, it can be difficult to detect before more severe complications develop.
Ultimately, it is important to consult a doctor if you think you might have diabetes. A doctor can accurately diagnose diabetes through a blood test. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the heart and blood vessels, nerve damage, kidney damage, and vision problems.
What color is diabetic urine?
Diabetes can cause a variety of changes to both blood and urine, so the color of a diabetic’s urine can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. In general, normal, healthy urine should be a pale yellow color and can vary depending on diet and hydration levels.
In most cases, diabetic urine is described as being darker, more orange or amber in color. However, if a person with diabetes is experiencing high blood sugar, then they may have urine that appears cloudy, foamy, and has a much stronger odor than usual.
This could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis and should be discussed with a doctor immediately. In rare cases, the presence of glucose in the urine can turn it a sweet smelling and dark brown or even a nearly black color.
In any case, if you have diabetes and have noticed a sudden change in the color of your urine, it is a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.
How do you feel if you are diabetic?
If I am diabetic, I feel that my body isn’t quite in balance and that I am at an increased risk of developing certain health problems. I am aware that I must be vigilant in monitoring my blood glucose levels, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active in order to maintain my overall health.
I feel frustrated at times that I must work harder to prevent potential complications, and may require testing or treatments that someone without diabetes wouldn’t need. Ultimately, I am hopeful that I can manage my diabetes, as many others have done before me.