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continued:

Diabetes symptoms: When diabetes symptoms are a concern

Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

Doctors and people with diabetes have observed that infections seem more common if you have diabetes. Research in this area, however, has not proved whether this is entirely true, nor why. It may be that high levels of blood sugar impair your body's natural healing process and your ability to fight infections. For women, bladder and vaginal infections are especially common.

Tingling hands and feet

Excess sugar in your blood can lead to nerve damage. You may notice tingling and loss of sensation in your hands and feet, as well as burning pain in your arms, hands, legs and feet.

Red, swollen, tender gums

Diabetes may weaken your ability to fight germs, which increases the risk of infection in your gums and in the bones that hold your teeth in place. Your gums may pull away from your teeth, your teeth may become loose, or you may develop sores or pockets of pus in your gums — especially if you have a gum infection before diabetes develops.

Take your body's hints seriously

If you notice any possible diabetes signs or symptoms, contact your doctor. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Diabetes is a serious condition. But with your active participation and the support of your health care team, you can manage diabetes while enjoying an active, healthy life.

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References
  1. Diabetes statistics. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/?utm_source=RightHandRail&utm_medium=SitePromotion4&utm_content=Stats&utm_campaign=CON. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  2. Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/riskfortype2/index.htm#3. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  3. Levitsky LL, et al. Epidemiology, presentation, and diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus in adolescents and young children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  4. Diabetes mellitus (DM). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manuals for Healthcare Professionals. http://155.91.16.2/mmpe/sec12/ch158/ch158b.html#S12_CH158_T002. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  5. Powers AC. Chronic complications of DM. In: Fauci AS. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2891216. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  6. Eye complications. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/eye-complications/. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  7. Skin complications. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/skin-complications.html. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  8. Foot complications. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications.html. Accessed July 19, 2010.
  9. Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your teeth and gums healthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth/. Accessed July 20, 2010.
  10. Diabetes and oral health. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_18.pdf. Accessed July 20, 2010.
DA00125 Oct. 12, 2010

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