How long can you have diabetes without knowing it?

Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general, or there are no symptoms at all.

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Can I have diabetes for years and not know?

Some people don't notice any symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you're an adult, though more and more children and teens are developing it. Because symptoms are hard to spot, it's important to know the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Make sure to visit your doctor if you have any of them.

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Can you have undiagnosed diabetes for a long time?

Part of the reason that millions of Americans have undiagnosed diabetes is that the condition can often be silent for many years with no symptoms. But non-invasive screening methods can be used to assess risk, and more people can be tested based on their risk factors.

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How long can you live with diabetes undetected?

It is not uncommon for people to live with type 2 diabetes for years without being aware of their condition. These cases of undiagnosed diabetes may sometimes only be picked up during a routine medical check-up.

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What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

Feeling very thirsty. Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating. Extreme fatigue. Blurry vision.

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How do I know if I have diabetes?

37 related questions found

What does untreated diabetes feel like?

The symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, passing more urine than usual, and feeling tired all the time. The symptoms occur because some or all of the glucose stays in your blood and isn't used as fuel for energy. Your body tries to get rid of the excess glucose in your urine.

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What are the red flags of diabetes?

Diabetes symptoms
  • Toilet - going for a wee a lot, especially at night.
  • Thirsty - being really thirsty.
  • Tired - feeling more tired than usual.
  • Thinner - losing weight without trying to.
  • Genital itching or thrush.
  • Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
  • Blurred eyesight.
  • Increased hunger.

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What can be mistaken for diabetes?

  • Alcoholism.
  • Alzheimer's Disease.
  • Amenorrhea.
  • Amyloidosis.
  • Anorexia Nervosa.
  • Bulimia Nervosa.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
  • Cirrhosis.

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What happens if you ignore diabetes?

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, nerve and kidney damage, vision loss and more. Even if you have mild blood sugar elevations, you can damage your organs. Diabetes is a common condition.

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What happens if diabetes goes untreated for years?

Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the body's organs. Possible long-term effects include damage to large (macrovascular) and small (microvascular) blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, gums, feet and nerves.

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Do you feel ill with undiagnosed diabetes?

Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include: peeing more than usual, particularly at night.

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What are symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes?

Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes include extreme fatigue, frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, unintended weight loss, and blurred vision.

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What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?

Here are 10 subtle signs of diabetes:
  • Frequent urination. Most people urinate four to seven times in a day. ...
  • Excessive thirst. ...
  • Extreme hunger. ...
  • Weakness/fatigue. ...
  • Pins and needles. ...
  • Blurry vision. ...
  • Itchy skin. ...
  • Slow healing wounds and increased skin infections.

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What does being diabetic feel like?

Extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, fatigue and weakness, blurred vision, irritability, and other mood changes. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. The best way to determine if you have type 1 diabetes is a blood test.

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What color is urine in diabetes?

If you have diabetes insipidus, you'll continue to pee large amounts of watery (dilute), light-colored urine when normally you'd only pee a small amount of concentrated, dark yellow urine.

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How do I know I am pre diabetic?

Symptoms
  • Increased thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Increased hunger.
  • Fatigue.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands.
  • Frequent infections.
  • Slow-healing sores.

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Could it be something other than diabetes?

Nondiabetic hyperglycemia means your blood glucose (sugar) level is high even though you do not have diabetes. Hyperglycemia may happen suddenly during a major illness or injury. Instead, hyperglycemia may happen over a longer period of time and be caused by a chronic disease.

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What does undiagnosed diabetes look like?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).

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Can undiagnosed diabetes cause weight gain?

The short answer is yes, gaining weight with diabetes is possible. People with diabetes indeed often struggle with weight gain due to medications plus a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain, which results in higher blood glucose and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

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What is the 3 day rule diabetes?

We recommend that you adjust your insulin using the '3 day' rule. The '3 day' rule can help you to regulate your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels are above or below target levels for three days in a row, then adjust your insulin using the charts on the pages overleaf. range for three days in a row.

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What happens if you live with undiagnosed diabetes?

Untreated diabetes can lead to several health complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, nerve damage, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, and negative impacts on mental health—all due to unregulated high blood sugar.

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What does diabetes feel like in the beginning?

Blurry vision, increased urination, feeling hungry, extreme thirst, and finding that you have itchy, dry skin are all warning signs that you could be in the early stages of type 2 diabetes. Some other signs may be harder to pin down.

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