Living with Diabetes: The Top 5 Unexpected Symptoms

Raising awareness about diabetes, World Diabetes Day, has rapidly grown to become an internationally acclaimed occasion. Proudly spreading the message around the world, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) play a fundamental role in raising awareness for the condition that affects so many. In our latest blog post, we explore the top 5 unexpected symptoms of living with diabetes.

As a diabetic, a family member or close friend to someone living with Type 1 (T1) or Type 2 (T2) diabetes, you will be aware that the common symptoms of diabetes can be both subtle and vague, yet extremely indicative of higher than normal blood sugar levels. The symptoms of diabetes frequently include; increased thirst, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, irritability, heightened frequency of urination, rapid weight loss and nausea. However, you may be unaware that diabetes can cause a wider variety of symptoms. Often undiscussed, diabetes can cause symptoms that sufferers may find emotionally difficult to talk about openly.

As a sufferer, you may feel isolated and alone dealing with the often unspoken symptoms of diabetes. However, you are not on a lonely path. In recognition of World Diabetes Day, we aim to raise awareness for the symptoms often unspoken about that many diabetic's face, such as:

1. Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, otherwise known as ED, is a common concern among male diabetics. It is known that up to 75% of men suffering from diabetes will experience some degree of erectile dysfunction during their lifetime. Moreover, as men with diabetes age, the chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction significantly increase.  

2. Anxiety

The fear-consumed condition, known as anxiety, commonly causes discomforting and stressful emotions. The symptoms of anxiety can have a serious effect on a sufferer's daily activities, as diabetics are 20% more likely to experience anxiety than those who are not diabetic. Having been diagnosed with diabetes, anxiety can develop in many ways. However, many diabetics may feel anxious about how their health condition will be received by others, even those closest to them.

3. Depression

One of the most unspoken about symptoms of living with diabetes as a chronic health condition is a depression. Similarly to diabetes itself, the signs and signals for depression are extremely vague. However, diabetics are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression. Whether you are a diabetic, a family member of a diabetic or friend to a sufferer, you should be aware of the number of symptoms that may signal depression. Common symptoms include persistent sadness, anxiety, apathy, hopelessness, insomnia, weight change or negativity.

4. Excessive Female Facial Hair

Unwanted female facial hair may be a sensitive subject for the individual concerned. A number of types of diabetes can increase the development of masculine hormones and therefore male characteristics, such as excessive facial hair. Female facial hair is not a serious health concern, however, for aesthetic reasons it can cause distress.  

5. Binge Eating

Binge eating is known as a type of eating disorder. This type of eating disorder compels individuals to overeat, leaving them powerless to be able to control their intake of food. Binge eating can result as glucose levels rise and fall. Therefore, when a diabetic's blood sugar level rises, there is often not enough insulin in the blood to control the levels, leaving the sufferer feeling tired and hungry. This results in the desire to eat again, leading to a binge.

By raising awareness together we can strengthen the global diabetes community. To find further information, health tips and medications visit our site by clicking here.