Understanding the Signs of Diabetes for Diabetes Awareness Month
Why Recognizing the Signs of Diabetes Is Vital for Prevention
By Jennifer Peterson, DNP, APRN, LMT, FNP-BC
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Over 34 million people in the U.S. are afflicted with diabetes and 20% are not aware they have it. Likewise, over 88 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes and 84% are unaware. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death and is believed to be underreported. Additionally, it costs Americans over $327 billion annually. It is imperative to recognize the toll this disease has taken, and we must continue to work towards a healthier nation.
The symptoms of diabetes
With the large number of people unaware of their diabetes status, a review of the signs and symptoms of diabetes may be helpful. The following are the most common symptoms:
Frequent urination, often at night
Frequent thirst
Frequent hunger
Blurred vision
Weight loss without trying
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Fatigue
Dry skin
Slow healing sores/wounds
If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, please consult with your doctor. Early recognition can lead to early interventions which may perhaps lead to avoidance of the disease altogether. The fight against diabetes as a nation starts with awareness.
Learn more about diabetes
If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend these blog posts:
About the author
Dr. Jennifer Peterson, Nurse Practitioner, is the Director of Quality Assurance and Integration for GlyCare. She has years of experience managing diabetes for patients in the hospital and now trains other nurse practitioners to do the same. Dr. Peterson also ensures GlyCare provides high-quality services for all patients through a quality review program she created.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes Fast Facts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes Symptoms.
Learn more about partnering with GlyCare for a turn-key diabetes management service. For more information on how to incorporate either in-person or virtual diabetes management, contact us today.