Dealing with a Family History of Diabetes

Q:  I have a family history of diabetes. I feel fine now, but would like to know what I should be watching for to let me know if I'm becoming a diabetic, too.

A:  The early stages of diabetes are very sneaky and can be present for some time before one feels sick enough to go to the doctor. Knowing that you have a family history means that you are at risk for Type II diabetes, the most common form and often the most treatable.

The earliest evidence of a diabetic condition are the following conditions:

1. Being noticeably more thirsty
2. Increased urination in both volume and frequency
3. More hungry than usual
4. Deteriorating vision
5. Unexplained fatigue

This is a situation where knowledge is power. A simple fingerstick blood test after an overnight fast will give you the answer in short notice. The worst thing one could do with the symptoms is wait. Waiting lets the disease do hidden damage that may not be reversible.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.