Symptoms of Diabetes

• frequent urination
• excessive thirst
• blurred vision
• weight loss for no reason
• tingling in the hands and feet.

I believe that there are other diabetic symptoms which are not mentioned by doctors, and this is especially true of type 2 diabetes.

This list of the signs of diabetes is not comprehensive, but it should give anyone information they can use to make a decision about seeing a doctor:

1. Dizzy spells, or feeling lightheaded sometimes, especially after having lots of sugar.
2. Waking at night with heart pounding, nausea and feeling of being chilled, especially after a high carb meal in the evening. These are signs of reactive hypoglycemia.
3. Constant hunger, no matter how much you eat. Also, an intense hunger for sweets after meals.
4. Exhaustion or constant fatigue.
5. Mood problems, depression and sadness without reason.
6. Burning feet, and a feeling of numbness in the toes, especially after standing for long periods of time.
7. Joint aches, muscle and joint stiffness, especially upon rising from bed; a diagnosis of some form of arthritis.
8. Digestive issues: frequent stomach aches, gas pain, bloating and stool issues, perhaps a cycling between diarrhea and constipation.
9. Swollen ankles and general puffiness, especially after sitting for a period of time.
10. Issues with breathing, especially during sleep; a diagnosis of sleep apnea.
11. Grainy and dry, itchy skin, sometimes with red, scaly patches; a diagnosis of lichen sclerosis or labial or anal fissures.
12. Heartburn, especially at night while lying down or a diagnosis of GERD – Gastrointestinal Reflux disease.
13. Frequent yeast infections.
14. Dry, cracked heels that get worse upon going barefoot.
15. Bleeding gums, and a diagnosis of gingivitis, even though you brush and floss every day. Also, a nasty taste in the mouth upon waking.

If you have more than a few of these symptoms of diabetes, it can mean that you have diabetes or will develop this devastating disease at some point.

You should see a doctor, but be aware that the American Diabetes Association diabetic diet that most doctors recommend is not the best way to treat diabetes.

In addition, taking insulin only worsens the blood sugar control problem and may precipitate other health crises for type 2 diabetics. Type 1 diabetics can no longer make insulin internally, and so they must take insulin, but Type 2 diabetics can often control their diabetes with diet, and may not need to take insulin.

Read Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars for more information on controlling blood sugar with diet.

The only way I know to actually reverse the symptoms of diabetes, and I'm speaking of Type 2 diabetes now, is to adopt a low carb diet, and lower your carbohydrate intake, permanently. Basically, you cut sugar, grains and processed food, and learn to eat a higher fat, moderate protein diet.

To learn more about how to do that, buy a book on low carb diets and read it. I would recommend The Protein Power Lifeplan by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution (Completely Updated!) or The Diabetes Diet: Dr. Bernstein's Low-Carbohydrate Solution.

In addition, please go to The Quintessential Diabetes Links Resource and to Blood Sugar 101. You'll find lots of helpful information on these sites.

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