Do You Have Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which your body has trouble using a sugar called glucose for energy. Read on for questions to help you understand the signs of diabetes, and if you should see your healthcare provider.

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When you have diabetes, your body has trouble using a sugar called glucose for energy. The sugar level in your blood becomes too high. Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) condition. It can cause serious health problems if you don't get treatment. Or it can cause life-threatening conditions such as ketoacidosis.

Woman talking to healthcare provider.

Signs of diabetes

Are any of these questions true for you? If yes, see your healthcare provider. 

  • Do you feel tired all the time?

  • Do you pee (urinate) often?

  • Do you feel thirsty or hungry all the time?

  • Are you losing weight for no reason?

  • Do cuts and bruises heal slowly?

  • Do you have numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes?

  • Do you have blurry vision? 

What puts you at risk?

People of all backgrounds can get diabetes. But it more often affects:

  • African Americans

  • Alaskan Natives

  • Native Americans

  • Hispanics

  • Asian Americans

  • Pacific Islanders

Other things can raise your risk. They include:

  • Having a family history of diabetes

  • Being overweight

  • Being over age 35

  • Having diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

  • Not getting enough physical activity

  • Taking certain medicines 

Why worry about diabetes?

Here's why having diabetes is a problem: 

  • Diabetes keeps your body from turning food into energy.

  • It can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet. It can also harm your heart and blood vessels.

  • Diabetes that is not under control can make it hard to live a healthy life.