What are the warning signs of diabetes?

Over 80 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Disturbingly, almost one-third of Americans living with diabetes are unaware they have it.

The sudden warning sign of one’s breath smelling like nail polish remover occurs when your body is unable to utilize sugar properly and burns fat for fuel instead. The chemical compounds released during this process are known as ketones. The ketone, acetone -- a key ingredient in nail polish remover -- produces the telltale diabetes warning sign of fruity-smelling breath.

You may also experience a fruity taste in your mouth that persists even after you’ve brushed your teeth. Referred to medically as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), this symptom can result in a diabetic coma if left untreated.

Additional warning signs of diabetes include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Frequent thirst and urination
• Craving sweets

If you experience acetone-scented breath or any other warning signs linked to diabetes, schedule an appointment with your physician. You’ll likely be asked to fast for at least 8 hours beforehand so the doctor can check your blood sugar level via a simple blood test. Bear in mind, a healthy fasting blood sugar level is between 70 and 100 mg/dl; a reading over 200 mg/dl may signal diabetes.

The warning signs of diabetes can include excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent illness, wounds that don't heal well, tingling or numbness in hands and/or feet, blurred vision and unintentional weight loss. These signs may come on suddenly in people with type 1 diabetes, which is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents. In people with type 2 diabetes, which is most often diagnosed in adults, these symptoms may occur more gradually. Sometimes, though, people with diabetes don't have any of the standard red flags. Contact your doctor if you have any of the warning signs of diabetes or if you are concerned that you may be developing the disease.

Diabetes is a very common illness affecting more than 24 million Americans. While many people are diagnosed with diabetes, others with diabetes are undiagnosed. Many people wonder what is causing their symptoms of excessive thirst and extreme hunger without realizing the cause is diabetes.  If you are unsure if you have diabetes mellitus, it's important to be aware of the key warning signs that go with diabetes. Warning signs may include: 

Excessive thirst, Frequent urination, Extreme hunger, Fatigue or feeling exhausted, Weight loss, Itchy skin, Pins and needles feeling in the feet and hands, Blurred or cloudy vision, Skin infections, other infections