Some people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes. They may delay scheduling a checkup because they do not feel sick. Consequently, many people do not find out they have the diabetes until they have complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble.

It is important to find out early if you have diabetes because treatment can prevent damage to the body.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Nearly six million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Many people show no signs or symptoms. Symptoms can be so mild that you might not even notice them.

Here is what to look for:

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Sores that do not heal

There are three kinds of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes
Usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Although this type of diabetes can be controlled through careful treatment, research has not found a way to prevent the disease.

Gestational diabetes
The hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin can cause some women to develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away once the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Type 2 diabetes

People with diabetes have blood glucose levels that are above normal, and often have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.

People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body's needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy.

Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.

Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

The good news!
The results of a major federally funded study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, demonstrated that moderate diet and exercise can delay and possibly prevent type 2 diabetes.

Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? Take this test to find out.