In the month of November, a number of health issues are observed, one of which is diabetes.

This chronic illness is one that many are aware of and it affects the way your body turns food into energy. Glucose is an important part of your health as it is a source of energy that cells use to make up your muscles and tissues. Diabetes is a group of diseases that affects the way your body uses blood sugar. Glucose is also the main source of the brain’s fuel.

While we may not be able to prevent ourselves from contracting the disease, it is important for us to know the signs and symptoms from early on so we can seek treatment.

The symptoms for diabetes may vary depending on the elevation of blood sugar. There are those, however, who may not experience any symptoms, especially those with type-2 diabetes. For persons with type-1 diabetes symptoms tend to come on more quickly and more severe.

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Hunger
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Presence of ketones in the urine
• Tiredness