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Symptoms of diabetes

Question

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Answer Video and written answer:
Qualified optometrist Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO answers this question.

There are a number of general symptoms that a diabetic may have, among them:

- Sudden vision changes
- Very dry skin
- Feeling tired all the time
- Extreme hunger
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tingling or numb feet or fingers
- Sores that are slow to heal
- Frequent urination
- More infections than usual.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you do not necessarily have diabetes, but it is worth consulting your doctor.

For more information about diabetes, see our video below:

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Optician’s Biography

Nigel Best studied optometry as an undergraduate at UMIST, registering as an optometrist in 1993. He is currently a Director of Specsavers in Darlington and Richmond (N. Yorks), a College of Optometrists supervisor and assessor, and a member of the Optometry in Practice editorial board. He has written papers published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and regional training events. He has written a number of contributions to optical and medical publications for the public, including sections on eyes and eye diseases for a Reader's Digest guide. In 2009 Nigel was awarded a Fellowship of the British Contact Lens Association followed in 2010 with Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry. From 2006-2010 Nigel was employed as a secondary grader by County Durham Diabetic Retinal Screening Service. Nigel is currently working towards his Ophthalmic Doctorate at Aston University.
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