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Diabetes symptoms: When to consult your doctor

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 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. Feldman EL. Patient information: Diabetic neuropathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  2. Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes?. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/riskfortype2/index.htm#3. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  3. Diabetes symptoms. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-kids/what-is-diabetes/symptoms.jsp. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  4. All about diabetes. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  5. Diabetes mellitus (DM). In: The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. 2nd ed. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories; 2003. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch165/ch165a.html?qt=diabetes&alt=sh. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  6. Diabetes and your oral health. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_faq.asp. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  7. Fraser CE, et al. Classification and clinical features of diabetic retinopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  8. Weintrob AC, et al. Susceptibility to infections in persons with diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 28, 2008.
  9. Collazo-Clavell M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 29, 2008.

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