Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. There are two kinds of diabetes:

• Type 1: People get sick quickly, over a few days to a few weeks
• Type 2: Develops over years; people may not know they have it

Both types of diabetes are serious. Untreated diabetes can cause vision, hearing, heart, and kidney problems, and can be fatal.

Because of developmental problems, age, or acquired physical problems, some individuals are not able to communicate that they are having discomfort or pain. That's an opportunity for family members and care givers to listen to what behaviors may be telling them about medical conditions.

Behaviors that may be telling you about diabetes:

• Frequent urination, many trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night
• Intense thirst, hunger; eats and drinks a lot
• Eats too much, but loses weight
• Mild to severe fatigue

Other factors that may indicate the presence of diabetes:

• Family history of diabetes
• Endocrine disorders, such as Addison's disease or thyroid disorder
• Immune system disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
• Ill or unhealthy appearance
• Obesity
• Blurred vision
• Dry skin, frequent skin infections
• Wounds heal poorly
• Numb feet
• Lately has frequent yeast (candida) infections
• Dizziness

Do you think someone's behavior may be telling you about diabetes? Talk with your doctor or other health care provider. They can work with you to learn whether this is the case.

A Checklist of What Behaviors Tell Us