Warning Signs Of Diabetes

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Diabetes is a debilitating condition because of the long-term impact on the body. The problem has to do with elevations in blood sugar caused by the fact that the body's natural regulatory system with insulin does not keep the sugar under control.

Years of poor control takes its toll and people can develop kidney, heart, vision and neurologic problems. Fortunately, there are medications and a wide variety of treatments that can help keep the blood sugar under control — and with control many of the long-term problems can be minimized.

But the key to controlling diabetes is early detection and that means knowing the warning signs. These include: excessive thirst, excessive urination, weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, fruity breath, irritability and confusion.