If you feel tired a lot, even when you have eaten and slept properly, this can be a sign that the insulin needed in your cells is simply not being produced by the body as it should. As a result, the cells do not have the energy they need, and this causes you to feel fatigued physically and mentally drained.
Extremities Feel Numb or Tingly
If your hands, feet, or legs feel this way, this is a sign of neuropathy which results from excessive glucose in the bloodstream. This has a detrimental effect on the nervous system and extremities, but can be reversed to some degree when glucose levels are controlled and returned to a balanced state.
Always Thirsty
Does it seem like no matter how much water you drink you can't quench your thirst? Have you been drinking a lot of water and urinating often? The reason for this may be that your body is taking the water from your blood and expelling it from your body at an unhealthy rate, causing an increased need to replenish the lost water in the body.
Vision Issues
If you have been noticing a decrease in vision, this can be related again to high glucose levels in your body. If things seem blurry or strained or your eyes feel dry and irritated, these may be symptoms of diabetes. Only a doctor and vision specialist can help you discern what the cause may be. Make an appointment with both, as soon as possible.
Dry Skin
If your skin is dry, itchy and flaky, this too could be a sign of sugar levels being off in the body. Do you find yourself applying lotion more often than normal? Do you feel itches all over your skin and feel that they can't be scratched and are persistent? See a doctor right away to see if this might be related to a blood sugar imbalance.
Signs and Diagnoses
There are many signs and diagnoses that are possible. The best way to know for sure what is going on is to not assume that you know, and not assume that one doctor knows. Always see a doctor and always get a second or third opinion before you undergo treatments. Misdiagnosis can cause issues to go untreated and can even cause death in certain situations.
As far as treatments, this will depend on the severity of your situation. If it is determined that you have a glucose related illness, do not feel that this is the end of the world. One treatment for mild cases includes simple diet changes. You can start this right now even before you make it in to see the doctor (but do not use diet changes as an alternative to being seen by a physician!).
In more serious cases, insulin levels will need to be maintained and there are treatments for this. They are covered by most Medicare, Medicaid and insurances.
If you think you or someone you know might have signs of diabetes, hypoglycemia or any illness for that matter, see a doctor (or two or three), get tested and get treated. Your family will thank you. Don't let it get out of control. Act before it's too late!