6 Early Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn't Ignore
6 Early Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn't Ignore
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. The majority of the food you consume is broken down into sugar (also known as glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts as a key to let the blood sugar into your body's cells for use as energy. However, if you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Therefore, early detection is crucial. Here are six early signs of diabetes that should not be ignored:
- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. This may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink—and urinate—more than usual. Frequent urination is especially noticeable when it disrupts a person's routine, such as waking several times during the night to use the bathroom.
- Unexpected Weight Loss
Although diabetes is often associated with being overweight, unexpected weight loss may also be a sign of the disease. This can occur because the body is not getting enough energy from the food it processes. Instead of being converted into energy the glucose is expelled from your body in urine, thus starving your cells and dropping your weight.
- Increased Hunger
Despite eating more, you may find you are still hungry. This hunger, known medically as polyphagia, happens because diabetes prevents glucose from getting into the cells; the body interprets this as though it hasn’t been fed and releases even more hormones to stimulate appetite.
- Fatigue
When your cells are deprived of sugar, they no longer have the fuel they need to function effectively. This results in a feeling of fatigue, which can also be compounded by high blood sugar and dehydration from frequent urination.
- Blurred Vision
High levels of blood sugar pull fluid from all possible sources, including the lenses of your eyes. This can affect your ability to focus. If left untreated, diabetes can cause new blood vessels to form in your retina and damage established vessels. For most people, this starts with fluctuating vision or difficulty seeing at night. Over time, it can lead to blindness.
- Cuts and Bruises That Do Not Heal
Poor circulation and high blood sugar impair the body’s ability to heal itself. This means that small injuries like cuts and bruises take longer than usual to heal. Signals of trouble are wounds that are slow to heal, often remain tender, and are more prone to infection.
Recognizing the early signs of diabetes can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, which can greatly diminish the risk of serious complications. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your overall health and can help manage the symptoms effectively.
Additionally, watching for these symptoms is crucial for individuals with prediabetes or known risk factors for diabetes, such as family history, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can play a significant role in preventing and managing diabetes.
Finally, the importance of regular monitoring cannot be overstated for those at risk or those already diagnosed with diabetes. Frequent follow-ups with healthcare providers, adherence to medication schedules, and continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels can help manage the condition effectively and mitigate potential health complications. The fight against diabetes begins with an informed awareness of the signs and a proactive approach to health management.