Knowing the symptoms of diabetes is such important information. Once you understand what to look for, you’ll be able to share this knowledge with others.
The 5 symptoms of diabetes
1. Needing to pee
2. Thirst
3. Hunger
4. Weight loss
5. Exhaustion
* You might not have all these symptoms. If you’re concerned, get a blood glucose test at your nearest clinic or pharmacy.
Are you feeling any of these symptoms of diabetes?
- Hungrier than usual?
- Feeling thirsty even if you’ve been drinking a lot?
- Needing to pee a lot (especially at night)?
- Are you really tired, for no reason?
- Have your eyes been bothering you?
If any of these ring a bell, it’s important to get your blood sugar checked at your local clinic or pharmacy. It’s a simple fingerstick blood test that takes less than 5 minutes. You’ll be given your results right away, and told if your blood sugar is in the normal range (4 to 7mmol/l) or if it’s higher than it should be.
Prediabetes can come before diabetes
According to the SA Demographic and Health Survey, 2 in 3 people in South Africa are in the prediabetes range. This is the stage before Type 2 diabetes, but you can turn it around if you’re diagnosed early enough! Here are the prediabetes stats and here’s how to reverse Type 2 diabetes.
A simple diabetes test
Getting your blood sugar checked is quick and simple – the results are immediate and it only takes 5 minutes. Please encourage everyone you know to get their blood sugar checked every year! It’s the kind of test we should all be doing every year – knowledge is power.
How to reverse Type 2 diabetes
If it turns out you do have Type 2 diabetes, don’t panic! The good news is that you can reverse Type 2 diabetes. Here’s exactly how to do it – step-by-step. There’s a recipe for reversing Type 2 diabetes, and we have support and advice for each step of the way.
How to reverse Type 2 diabetes?
Work with your doctor + eat healthy food + exercise a little every day + lose weight if you need to.
We know that it can feel hard to make changes, which is why we’d love you to join our community: South Africans with Diabetes. You can meet others with diabetes or prediabetes, find out how to live a healthy life with diabetes, and complain on the days you need to!
Share this information!
1 in 2 people with diabetes is undiagnosed in South Africa. That’s why it’s so important to share the 5 symptoms of diabetes with everyone you know.
Do you have any questions about diabetes? Check out our Diabetes Info section and use the search bar to find the answers. Still have a question? Email us and we’ll get our diabetes experts to answer them. We are all in this together.
What to read next?
Type 2 diabetes risk factors: Spend 1 minute watching this video and you’ll know if you’re at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Eat healthy for diabetes: The one article you need to read about diabetes and diet.
Exercise, a little every day: Your ultimate guide to exercise with diabetes.
if u have 3 out 5 symptoms does that mean u are diabetic
Hi Ashley!
It definitely means you should get your blood sugar checked. It’s a simple fingerprick test, takes less than 5 mins and will let you know right away if your blood sugar is in the normal range or not. Let us know how it goes?
I have type 2 diabetes and I’m under medication,i per alot especially yesterday through out the night, advice
Hi Emily!
Is your blood sugar high at the moment? If it is, you’ll need to pee more (and you’ll be more thirsty).
We’re not medical specialists so we can’t give medical advice, but it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor if you’re peeing more than usual. Good luck!
If you have pains in your joints and you pee a lowhat can you do
How’s your blood sugar? Peeing a lot can be a sign of high blood sugar… For joint pain you should see your doctor so that they can check it out. Good luck!
You should get your thyroid checked. Those are symptoms of an unbalanced thyroid.
They are similar symptoms, yes – the endocrine system is so closely linked!