Untreated diabetes?

Does it happen often that people who have diabetes don't know it and do not receive treatment for a long time, say several years? That's how long my lips and mouth have been dry constantly. Recently it felt dry even after drinking large amount of fluid. I often feel fatigued as well. It could just psychological factors, but I saw doctor yesterday and I'm getting my blood and urine tested tomorrow.

I just read that "about half of all diabetics in the U.S. are unaware they have diabetes and are not receiving treatment for the disease."

Yes, it is VERY possible. That is how diabetics have complications such as High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol.

You can ask your doctor for a hemoglobin A1c test which will give your doctor an average of your blood sugar control within three months.

Usually, you want it below 6, but diabetics strive to lower it below 7%.

While I was gestationally diabetic with my pregnancies, beginning at age 28, I became Type II diabetic shortly after I turned 43.

My numbers would hang around acceptable for almost 10-12 years, until I got weird symptoms.

First of all, I didn't really gauge frequent urination - mine was more I didn't feel like my bladder was emptying. And my thirst, it was like it wasn't quenched - almost like you were dehydrated.

And until I went on medication, I didn't realize that my severe fatigue was from diabetes. I would eat a big meal late at night, and I had to go to bed right after, I could hardly keep my eyes open.

But the weirdest symptom of all was that when I bent over, on my right side right under my rib, I felt I was pinching some sort of organ.

Well, after I had the complete metabolic panel, I learned that my liver enzymes were up because my liver was working too hard.

However, my blood sugars never go above 200 - they are in their 180's after eating a high carb or sugary meal, but I certainly felt the symptoms.

Yes--if you don't know the symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms?
Excessive thirst and appetite
Increased urination (sometimes as often as every hour)
Unusual weight loss or gain
Fatigue
Nausea, perhaps vomiting
Blurred vision
In women, frequent vaginal infections
In men and women, yeast infections
Dry mouth
Slow-healing sores or cuts
Itching skin, especially in the groin or vaginal area

It is good that you are getting tested. Diabetes, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to internal organs & nerves and can even lead to amputation. If it's just stress, etc, then you know. Better safe than sorry.

I have been a diebetic for nearly 20 years. My only sign was having to urineate all the time when I drank regular pepsi.
You may have had this for several years. It doesn't matter just as long as you get your sugar undercontrol and change your life style.

It's possible. There's different types of diabetes with varying levels of risk. It's merely a problem with your pancreas producing enough insulin to help your body process sugar.

Yes, i think many diabetics go for many years before they know they have it. My mum had symptoms for years before she was diagnosed. Make sure the doctor gives you the glocose tolerance test.

ya feeling thirsty could b a sign of diabetes only............

Diabetes, especially type 2, is something that can sneak up on you over several years. That's part of the reason it's so dangerous. Because all that time while you're still feeling fine damage is being done to all of your bodies systems. This can go on for years in the case of type 2.

By the time you start noticing symptoms, like extreme thirst or hunger, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, tiredness, frequent urination, blurry vision, extreme weight changes, or just a general sick feeling, you've likely had the disease for some time.

Someone else said it's merely a problem of your pancreas not producing enough insulin. WRONG!!!

Type 2 happens when your cells become resistant to insulin and are unable to use it properly. Then that person's pancreas starts working harder and harder to produce extra insulin until it eventually burns out.

Type 1 is an auto immune disease where a person's body actually starts attacking and destroying their pancreatic beta cells. That means eventually those people can no longer produce any insulin.

Same name for both types but they are very different except for the fact that they are both progressive diseases. That means it can get worse over time. Particularly so if aggressive management is not undertaken.

That means blood glucose (sugar) control and possibly blood pressure and cholesterol control.

Your doctor is the best person to ask about this stuff but it doesn't hurt to educate yourself. That's because the patient is ultimately responsible in managing their diabetes. That's different from most other disease management.

Hope this helped and GOOD LUCK!