Warning signs to look for

Diabetes is a very difficult disease to spot because the signs to look for are not very specific. Here are some warning signs. If you have some or all of these signs you should visit your doctor for a complete medical examination.

1. Chest pain. Any chest pain either at rest or during some form of exertion (for example, whilst gardening) should be investigated by a health professional.

2. Leg pain. Pain in the calf area whilst walking is frequently reported among patients with diabetes. This should be investigated further, especially if the pain begins after walking only a short distance, and resolves at rest.

3. Changes in vision. As we age most of us require the use of reading glasses to help us read. Patients with diabetes can get sudden or gradual changes in vision. The ones to look out for include a sudden loss of any part of vision, blurring of vision, and noticing that you are always bumping into things.

4. Raging thirst. Everybody gets thirsty from time to time, especially when alcohol, tea or coffee is regularly consumed. However, feeling thirsty all the time, even when lots of water has been consumed, should alert you to a problem.

5. Frequent urination. Everybody visit the toilet a different number of times per day, and thus has their own 'normal' number. When this changes dramatically (for example you used to pass urine three times a day and now you are going every hour) then this should alert you to a problem.

6. Foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are common in patients with diabetes, and so any kind of ulcer on the feet should be brought to your doctor's attention.

7. Weight loss. if we become more active and eat less we naturally begin to shrug off some weight. Patients with diabetes have weight loss usually without these changes in lifestyle and things to look out for include loosening of the trousers, and people commenting on the apparent 'thinness' of the face.

8. Tiredness. When questioned almost all people would report some level of tiredness so this sign is not a very reliable one. Patients with diabetes often complain of a long history of tiredness and general weakness.