Filipinos are known for their food culture. No occasion passes without feasts of different dishes on the table,  and there is always a cause for celebration. Some people, who are sweet junkies, always go for treats high in sugar, too.

High intake of sugar, however, can put a person at risk for diabetes, a disease caused by an imbalance in sugar levels and is commonly attributed to high consumption of sweets.

If you happen to have a sweet tooth, then be on the look-out for symptoms that might indicate that you have diabetes.

These are classic symptoms of having diabetes. The excess sugar in your body is forced to be released through urination, as it drags along fluids from your tissues. As a result of frequent urination, you are then also frequently thirsty. The extra water you intake makes you want to urinate again.

Other symptoms include lack of interest and concentration that can be due to dehydration from frequent urination or the body’s inability to process sugar into energy.

It then turns into a vicious cycle of thirst and urination.

2. When you feel tired

You may feel tired because of high or low blood sugar levels. High blood glucose slows your blood circulation so cells can’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Also, according to a new study, it can cause fatigue through inflammation. Blood vessels can get inflamed by sugar. Immune cells, called monocytes, get to the brain when this happens. Low sugar levels, on the other hand, makes you feel tired because the body doesn’t have enough fuel to work well.

3. When you lose weight without trying and still feel  hungry all the time

You experience a sudden and significant drop in your weight. This is because insulin is not getting glucose into the cells, which it uses as energy source. The body then thinks that it’s hungry and starts breaking down protein from the muscles as an alternative source of energy. Also, you lose calories along with sugar during your frequent urinations. Diabetes keeps sugar from the food you intake to reach your cells. This then gives you the sensation of craving for food.

4. When you get blurry vision

High levels of sugar in your blood can take away fluid from your tissues and affect your eyesight. This is also called diabetic retinopathy. This makes it hard for a person with diabetes to concentrate and focus. If left untreated, new blood vessels could form behind the eyes. This causes impaired vision or, in worse cases, blindness.

5. When your wounds  heal slowly

 
Blood circulation is critical to skin repair.High glucose content in the blood can affect the nerves that lead to poor circulation, thus making it difficult for blood to reach areas of the body where wound or sore has developed.

6. When you have a  tingling sensation all over the body

Poor circulation of blood does not only cause wounds to heal at a slower pace, it also renders a tingling sensation in the body, particularly in the hands and the feet.

These symptoms may manifest in type 1 diabetes. There can also be vomiting and stomach pains. Lastly, because wounds heal slowly, diabetic patients are more prone to infections that can be fatal if not addressed immediately.

Early detection of diabetes is essential to prevent it from getting worse. Type 1 diabetes can manifest itself dramatically and suddenly which makes it easier to detect. Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are mild and seemingly harmless. Sometimes, there aren’t even any manifestations at all. Complications can develop even without symptoms showing. But once these symptoms do manifest, be sure to see a doctor right away. Regular check-ups are important to keep track of your overall health and well-being.