Is it possible to have diabetes without symptoms

This results in high blood sugar levels that require medical attention and management. We draw a majority of our energy from glucose, which is found in the bloodstream.

Insulin helps manage this and, when unavailable, sugar continues to build up in the bloodstream, creating a wide variety of health problems and issues. Type 1 diabetes is generally considered to be an autoimmune disorder that many people are born with. Instead of working with the body, the immune system routinely attacks certain pancreatic cells that produce insulin. There is no reversal of type 1 diabetes and medical researchers are still unsure as to what prompts the damaging immune system response.

Genetic and environmental factors can cause type 1 diabetes. When it fails to keep up with the demand, insulin production drops off and leads to high blood pressure levels. The cause of this type of insulin resistance is still unknown but certain lifestyle factors can put people in a higher risk category. Type 2 diabetes risk factors may include:. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when blood sugar levels increase to high levels. This is known as gestational diabetes. Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes.

This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased. It's very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated. Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes, which include:.

Having to go to the bathroom more than normal, particularly at night, is a sign that your blood sugar might be out of whack. Pantalone says one of his patients came in for a diagnosis after a family member noticed that he was using the bathroom during each commercial break when they watched TV. More sugar in a warm, moist environment can cause urinary tract and yeast infections , especially in women. Instead, your body will start burning fat stores, and you may experience unexpected weight loss.

High sugar levels can distort the lenses in your eyes , worsening your vision. Changes in your eyeglass prescription or vision are sometimes a sign of diabetes. This feeling of exhaustion is often persistent and can interfere with your daily activities, Dr. Pantalone says. Something that Dr. You can delay type 2 diabetes. Or even prevent it. You can do this by making lifestyle changes. These include losing extra weight if you are overweight.

And getting more exercise. Aim for at least minutes a week of physical activity. Don't let more than 2 days go by without being active. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a lifestyle intervention program. Experts also advise all adults to spend less time sitting and being inactive. This is even more important if you have type 2 diabetes. If you do sit for a long time, get up for some light activity every 30 minutes. Your pancreas makes insulin. Insulin is needed for glucose to move into the body's cells for energy.

Normally insulin is available for this. When you have diabetes, your pancreas makes little or no insulin. This causes sugar to build up in the blood. But your body's cells need sugar. Without it, they don't have enough fuel to work as they should. The 3 main types of diabetes all lead to a buildup of blood sugar.