Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. But many people don’t know they have it until symptoms get bad. Recognising the early warning signs of diabetes can help prevent serious complications and allow for timely treatment. Knowing the symptoms and when to get tested can make a world of difference if you are concerned for your health or have a family history of diabetes.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term disease that affects the way your body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the blood into the cells.
If the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it well, blood sugar levels rise, causing diabetes.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Diabetes Type 1
This happens when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It is most common in children or young people, but can occur at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 is the most common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough. This condition can be caused by lifestyle factors, genetics and obesity.
Diabetes in Pregnancy
This type occurs during pregnancy and may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Initial Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes may develop slowly especially in Type 2 diabetes. Many will ignore mild symptoms until the condition gets worse.
Here are the most common warning signs of diabetes you should look out for:
1. More frequent urination (polyuria)
An increased need to urinate, especially at night, is one of the first signs of diabetes. High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work overtime to get rid of the excess glucose, which can lead to frequent urination.
If you are waking up multiple times a night to go to the bathroom you may want to talk to your health care provider.
2. Too Much Thirst (Polydipsia)
Frequent urination may cause dehydration and persistent thirst. You could still be thirsty even after you drink water.
If you have an increased thirst or greater than normal thirst that cannot be explained by normal hydration needs, it may be an early sign of diabetes.
3. Increased appetite
Diabetes patients may feel very hungry even after taking food. The body struggles to convert glucose to usable energy . Cells may send signals that they need more food .
Persistent hunger, fatigue or weight changes may be a sign of blood sugar imbalance.
4. Weight Loss for No Reason
Weight loss of any kind without trying or exercising could be a warning sign – especially for Type 1 diabetes.
When the body can’t use glucose for energy, it starts to break down fat and muscle instead. This could cause a sudden unexplained loss of weight.
5. Chronic Fatigue
Feeling tired now and then is okay but if you’re feeling tired all the time then it could be a sign of diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can also make it difficult for your body to use energy efficiently, leaving you feeling weak or tired.
If you’re still tired after a good night’s sleep, get checked.
6. Seeing Blurred
High blood sugar can affect the fluid in your eyes and cause blurry vision. Some people have vision changes that are temporary before diagnosis.
If left untreated, this symptom can raise the risk of long-term diabetes eye complications.
7. Wounds That Heal Slower
Slow healing cuts and bruises, or infections, can be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar can affect your blood circulation and immune function, which can make it take longer to heal.
This symptom is especially important in wounds of the foot or in infections of the skin.
8. Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet
Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and cause tingling, burning or numbness, especially in the hands and feet.
This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, often develops slowly.
9. Repeated infections
People with diabetes can have infections that keep coming back. These include:
Skin Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Periodontal disease
Yeast Infection
High blood sugar can weaken the immune system and create a breeding ground for infections.
10. Patches of Darkened Skin
Dark velvety patches of skin around the neck, armpits or groin (called acanthosis nigricans) could be a sign of insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Who is more likely to get diabetes?
There are things that can make you more likely to get diabetes. You may be at increased risk if you:
Family history of diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Hypertensive
Be sedentary
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