Diabetes is classified as a public health concern in the Philippines largely due to two things, the many complications that may arise from poor management of the disease and the cost implications for care of individuals.[1] The 2105 paper on Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes in the Philippines cites eye-opening figures, such as a 7.2% prevalence of diabetes, more people with diabetes in urban areas and more females having diabetes than males.[2]

The first step to managing the disease is to know what to watch out for. Here are the common symptoms and signs of diabetes, defined as a “metabolic disorder” that happens when blood sugar is too high[3].

Symptoms common to men and women include the following[4]

• Excessive thirst and hunger, even if you are eating regularly
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss or gain, even when eating more
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Nausea
• Skin infections
• Darkening of skin in areas of body creases
• Breath order that is fruity, sweet or acetone-like
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Other early indicators of diabetes are dry mouth and itchy skin, as more fluids are expelled from the body, leaving the body dehydrated and with less moisture[5]

There are some signs of diabetes that are unique to men[6], as follows:

• Impotence
• Low testosterone
• Decreased sex drive
• Retrograde ejaculation

Signs to watch out for in a child with Type 1 diabetes (no insulin production, previously called juvenile diabetes) are the following[7]

• Frequent urination
• Excessive intake of liquid
• Weight loss
• Increased feelings of tiredness
• Frequent illness

Type 2 diabetes may be indicated by symptoms such as yeast infections, slow-healing cuts or sores, pain or numbness in feet or legs. On the other hand, if you suffer unplanned weight loss or experience nausea and vomiting, Type 1 diabetes may be the culprit.[8]

[1] Jimeno, C., Kho, S., Matawaran, B., Duante, C., Jasul, G. [2015, April-June]. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes in the Philippines: A Sub-study of the 7^th National Nutrition and Health Survey (2008). Retrieved from https://www.pcp.org.ph/files/PJIM%20Vol53%20No2/Prevalence_of_Diabetes_Mellitus_and_Pre-Diabetes_in_the_Philippines_A_Sub-study_of_the_7th_National_Nutrition_and_Health_Survey_2008.pdf

[2] Jimeno, C., Kho, S., Matawaran, B., Duante, C., Jasul, G. [2015, April-June]. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes in the Philippines: A Sub-study of the 7^th National Nutrition and Health Survey (2008). Retrieved from https://www.pcp.org.ph/files/PJIM%20Vol53%20No2/Prevalence_of_Diabetes_Mellitus_and_Pre-Diabetes_in_the_Philippines_A_Sub-study_of_the_7th_National_Nutrition_and_Health_Survey_2008.pdf

[3] Cunha, J. [2019, July]. Diabetes Early Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm

[4] Cunha, J. [2019, July]. Diabetes Early Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm

[5] Webmd.com. [2019, June]. Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms#1

[6] Cunha, J. [2019, July]. Diabetes Early Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm#what_warning_signs_and_symptoms_of_diabetes_are_the_same_in_men_and_women

[7] Diabetes.org. [n.d.] Diabetes symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptoms

[8] Webmd.com. [2019, June]. Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms#1