Diabetes Symptoms and Everything You Need to Know

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world, affecting millions of people and continuing to rise every year. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) states that approximately 589 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes mellitus. The total number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise to 853 million by 2050. Additionally, 1.1% – or 1 in 9 – of the adult population (20-79 years) is living with diabetes, with over 4 in 10 unaware that they have the condition. 
 
Early recognition of diabetes symptoms is important as it helps with an earlier diagnosis and management. With Cellmaflex, patients can book appointments online, without the need for a phone call. Patients can check their medical history anytime & anywhere, and locate doctors, pharmacies, labs and imaging centres near their location.  
 
Throughout this blog we will cover what is diabetes, types of diabetes, common diabetes symptoms, complications and management of diabetes, while highlighting how Cellmaflex helps patients in their care journey.  

What Is Diabetes and What Does It Do? 

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose (sugar), which is the primary source of energy for your cells. 
 
Insulin and Glucose: Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps the body absorb and use glucose. In diabetes, the body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin (Type 1) or can’t use it effectively (Type 2). 
 
Effect on the body: When something affects the supply or function of insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood (which is called hyperglycemia) and it slowly leads to damage to organs, blood vessels, nerves and leads to complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, major nerve pain experiences and other serious conditions. 
 
Cellmaflex allows patients to manage records, labs and prescriptions electronically making it easier to manage these long-term effects and coordinate care with healthcare professionals. 

What is Type 1 diabetes? 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. 

Common risk factors: 

• Genetic – Family history presents as risk of type 1 diabetes. 

• Defect in the immune system – The immune system attacks the body’s  own insulin-producing cells. 
  
  

Type 1 diabetes tends to occur in children or young adults, but it can occur at any age. Patients experience symptoms of diabetes suddenly and severely, making early intervention essential. 

Signs of Type 1 Diabetes 
Major Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes include: 

• Increased thirst & urination – the kidneys work hard to remove the excess glucose through urination.  

• Unexplained weight loss – the body is unable to use glucose properly despite eating more food 

• Fatigue – Lack of glucose in cells results in constant tiredness. 

• Blurred vision – High blood sugar causes fluid shifts affecting the eyes. 
  
  

What is Type 2 diabetes? 

Type 2 diabetes is when your body is developing resistance to insulin, or it doesn’t make enough insulin to normalise glucose levels. 

Some common risk factors are: 

• Obesity/Overweight – The fat cells of the body interfere with the use of insulin 

• Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of activity worsens insulin resistance 

• Genetics and age – Increase in risk with age and family history.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes 
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes develops gradually, and symptoms may be subtle: 

• Increased Thirst & Urination 

• Fatigue – Difficulty using glucose for energy. 

• Slow-healing Cuts & Infections – High sugar weakens immune function. 

• Tingling or Numbness – Nerve damage due to prolonged hyperglycemia. 
  
  

Because Type 2 develops slowly, regular screening is vital. Patients can use Cellmaflex to find nearby labs for blood sugar tests and monitor their results digitally for quicker follow-up. 

What Is Gestational Diabetes? 

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy when the body cannot meet the demands for insulin in late pregnancy.  

Risk Factors: 

• The hormonal changes during pregnancy. 

• Obesity and Age – A higher risk in women over the age of 25.

Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes 
Gestational diabetes may show few clear signs, however, some signs and symptoms of diabetes are: 

• Excessive thirst 

• Tiredness 

• Frequent urination
   

Routine screening is important because signs and symptoms may not always occur. Cellmaflex helps mothers to book their tests and appointments online, providing them with quick access to care without delays.  

Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes 

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious complications, including: 

• Heart disease – Damage to blood vessels puts you at a higher risk for stroke and heart attack.  

• Kidney Disease (nephropathy) – Too much sugar can damage the kidneys. 

• Nerve Damage (neuropathy) – Tingling, numbness, and pain, and often in the extremities. 

• Eye Problems (Retinopathy) – Damage to retinal blood vessels may cause blindness. 
  
  

With Cellmaflex, patients can find eye clinics, nephrology specialists, or cardiology services nearby, all from a single platform. 

How Diabetes Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically includes: 

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test (≥126 mg/dL indicates diabetes). 

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. 

• A1C Test (≥6.5% may suggest diabetes). 
   

Patients can use Cellmaflex to book lab tests conveniently and track reports online for quick follow-up. 

Diabetes Management 
For Type 1 Diabetes: 

• Insulin Therapy (pumps or injections) 

• Monitoring blood glucose 

• Diet and exercise 
   

For Type 2 Diabetes: 

• Diabetes medications as prescribed 

• Lifestyle modification (i.e. diet, weight management, activity) 

• Insulin therapy in some cases 
   

For Gestational Diabetes: 

• Blood glucose monitoring 

• Diet and exercise 

• Insulin, if needed 
  
  

Cellmaflex provides continuity of care by allowing patients to easily share their medical history and progress of treatment with multiple providers easily.  

When to See a Doctor 

Warning signs that need medical attention include: 

• Excessive thirst 

• Frequent urination 

• Fatigue 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Blurred vision 
  
  

If you notice these diabetes symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately. Cellmaflex allows patients to easily book appointments online and find nearby trusted doctors without phone calls. 

Dealing with Diabetes 
Living with diabetes requires daily care, but with the right plan, it’s manageable: 

• Balanced Diet – Whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein 

• Regular Physical Activity and Exercise – Encourages improved insulin sensitivity 

• Management of Stress and Hydration – Can mitigate peaks and dips in blood sugar levels 

• Blood Sugar Monitoring – Consistency is the key 
  
  

With Cellmaflex, patients can track their lab results, re-fill prescriptions from local pharmacies and keep all records in one place, which helps make it easier to manage diabetes. 

Diabetes is a serious yet manageable condition. Recognising diabetes symptoms, and taking the proper action, is the first step in preventing long-term complications. It is important to manage the diabetes – whether it be Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes with consistent management through proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring is essential.  

If you notice diabetes symptoms or have risk factors, don’t wait, speak with your doctor and use solution like Cellmaflex to take control of your health today.