SPOTTING THE SIGNS:
10 SYMPTOMS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW
This page is dedicated to sharing the 10 symptoms that were most significant during my son's gradual journey to being diagnosed.
1 - LOSING WEIGHT
To provide some context, it was a Sunday morning after a father and son play fight when I first noticed something unusual. After messing about, I looked at him from behind.
I realised he had lost a noticeable amount of weight; his spine was distinctly visible. This alarming change marked the first symptom that caught my attention.
Please keep a diary on weight if possible, this will help monitor this symptom. Type 1 diabetes, due to the body's inability to use glucose effectively. When insulin levels are insufficient or the body doesn't respond properly to insulin, cells can't take in glucose for energy.
As a result, the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss. In type 2 diabetes, this can occur if blood sugar levels are very high and the body compensates by using stored energy.
2 - SLOW TO NO HAIR GROWTH
It wasn't until I noticed his twin brother's hair needed cutting, and usually, we cut them together. This was very weird, and I just couldn't work this one out, as they always needed a trim at the same time.
Slow hair growth can be linked to diabetes when first diagnosed due to poor blood circulation and hormonal imbalances.
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to various parts of the body, including the scalp.
This decreased circulation can limit the nutrients and oxygen reaching hair follicles, slowing down hair growth. Additionally, hormonal changes associated with diabetes can further impact hair growth cycles.
3 - DRINKING EXCESSIVELY
Firstly, I noticed he was drinking considerably more at meal times and in between. One time that stands out, we were in the garden with the big juice jug still half full after we each had one glass.
Merely a half hour later, on a hot day as I was gardening and wanted more, I found it had all gone. I literally thought, "Is someone winding me up?" with everyone denying it.
No one owned up until he was later diagnosed and we laughed about it. Keep in mind, this was only in the last few weeks leading up to his diagnosis, not the entire time.
People with undiagnosed diabetes often experience excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, due to high blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is elevated, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose.
If they can't keep up, the excess glucose is excreted into urine, which draws additional water from the body. This can lead to dehydration, prompting the individual to feel increasingly thirsty.
4 - URINATING EXCESSIVELY
Obviously, this is linked to drinking excessively. I noticed more nighttime visits, being woken up by the toilet flushing. This was easily two to three times a night, and it was known that drinking occurred on these occasions too.
This is known as polyuria, occurs because high blood sugar levels overwhelm the kidneys' ability to reabsorb glucose. As a result, excess glucose is excreted in urine, pulling more water with it and increasing urine volume. This leads to the need to urinate more often.
5 - PALE FACED OR SKINNED
Noticing my sons face also getting pale and having a lighter tone to his skin was aslo a slow appearance and symptom.
Diabetics will have pale skin before diagnosis due to poor circulation and dehydration. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow, affecting skin tone.
Dehydration from frequent urination can also contribute to a paler appearance. Additionally, underlying conditions like anemia, which can occur with diabetes, will cause paleness.
6 - FATIGUED AND LOW ENERGY LEVELS
This was also more towards the end or the last few weeks before diagnosis. He seemed to get more and more fatigued as time went on, going from short breaks here and there to slouching, and then lying down and falling asleep.
Diabetics often experience low energy levels and fatigue because their bodies can't effectively use glucose for energy. When insulin is insufficient or the body is resistant to it, cells can't absorb glucose properly, leading to a lack of available energy.
Additionally, fluctuations in blood sugar levels can directly impact energy, causing feelings of fatigue. Dehydration and poor circulation, can also contribute to low energy and tiredness.
7 - EATING EXCESSIVELY
Most meal times we'd all be full up and rubbing our stomachs, sighing, 'Ahhh, I'm done.' But my son would continue eating and finish off what was left on all our plates. Again, really strange behaviour, but I just did not know these were symptoms.
Before diagnosis, diabetics may experience excessive hunger, known as polyphagia, because their bodies are unable to use glucose properly for energy.
When insulin is insufficient or ineffective, glucose remains in the bloodstream rather than entering cells. As a result, the body signals that it needs more energy, triggering increased hunger, even though there is plenty of glucose available in the blood.
8 - SLURRED SPEECH
I'd always say, now knowing what I know, ask simple questions and test their responses. For example, "What colour is this?" "What's your date of birth?" "Can you hear me?" etc. I know these questions might sound trivial, but you will get the answers you're looking for.
Slurred speech before being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be a symptom of severe hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In these conditions, high blood sugar levels and the accumulation of ketones can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and altered brain function.
This can result in neurological symptoms such as slurred speech, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. These situations require immediate medical attention. This is when we took action and fast tracked down to A & E.
9 - LACK OF CONCENTRATION
I noticed my son's concentration was way off to the point where he couldn't even watch TV, a film, or play on the computer for as long as before.
Before diagnosis, you'll experience a lack of concentration due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. High or low blood sugar can affect brain function, leading to difficulties with focus and mental clarity.
Hyperglycemia can cause dehydration and fatigue, while hypoglycemia can deprive the brain of the glucose it needs for energy, both contributing to concentration issues.
10 - WANTING MORE SUGAR
Often, a desire for something sweet arises between meals. This occurs even after a large meal. Always wanting sweets and never being fully satisfied is an understatement.
This happens because undiagnosed diabetics may crave sugar because their cells are not getting enough glucose for energy due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance.
The body senses this lack of energy and signals the need for quick energy sources, like sugar, to try to compensate.
A MASSIVE THANK YOU
I want to express a massive, heartfelt thank you from me personally for taking the time to engage with my content. Your support means the world to me and the entire Forbidden Team.
Our mission is to make diabetes a more manageable and totally livable condition, and your involvement is crucial in achieving this goal.
If this content helps, or more importantly, saves even one person's life, then we know our mission is accomplished.
Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and spreading awareness can make a profound difference. By sharing this content, you're not only helping to educate others but also potentially saving a loved one or even a precious child.
Together, we can transform lives and bring hope to those who may be struggling. Your support empowers us to continue this vital work and reach even more people.
Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with us. Let's make a real change, one day at a time.
With deepest gratitude,
The Forbidden Team
