While most diseases manifest without symptoms, diabetes is not one of them. It does give signs that it needs to be recognized and treated early. Diabetes has become very common in India: 1 in 5 people suffer from it. If you are between 40 and 60 years old, you are very likely to have it. The chances are also high if you have diabetes in your family.
Because diabetes can have a range of complications, from heart attacks and blindness to stroke, its treatment is critical. However, diagnosis precedes treatment, and identifying the signs precedes diagnosis.
This blog will tell you about the telltale signs of diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in little or no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, involves insulin resistance, where the body does not use insulin effectively. Over time, the pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand for insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Early signs of diabetes
Recognizing the early signs of diabetes can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, which is essential to managing the disease. Here are some early indicators to look out for:
1. Frequent urination
One of the hallmark symptoms of diabetes is polyuria, or frequent urination. High blood sugar levels force the kidneys to work overtime to filter and absorb excess glucose. When they can’t keep up, excess glucose is excreted in urine, dragging water along with it. This process results in frequent urination, which can lead to dehydration and increased thirst.
2. Increased thirst
Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, often accompanies frequent urination. As the body loses more water through urine, it triggers a feeling of extreme thirst to replace the lost fluids. Drinking more fluids may temporarily relieve thirst, but if diabetes is the underlying cause, the problem will persist until blood sugar levels are controlled.
3. Unexplained weight loss
Sudden weight loss without a clear reason can be a warning sign. In type 1 diabetes, the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy because it can’t access glucose. This can lead to noticeable weight loss even if your appetite hasn’t changed. In type 2 diabetes, weight loss can occur if you lose fluids due to frequent urination.
4. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired can be another sign of diabetes. When cells are deprived of glucose, they lack the energy needed to function normally. This can lead to persistent fatigue and weakness. In addition, the energy the body gets from food is often not used effectively due to insulin resistance.
5. Blurred vision
High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be drawn from tissues, including the lenses of your eyes. This can lead to blurred vision. Although this symptom may be temporary, it’s a good idea to have your eyes examined and discuss these symptoms with a doctor.
6. Slow healing sores and frequent infections
Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections. High blood sugar levels can affect the immune system, reducing its efficiency. You may notice that cuts, bruises, or infections take longer to heal. Common infections in diabetics include fungal infections and skin infections.
7. Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a complication of diabetes that can cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, leading to symptoms such as tingling sensations, especially in the hands and feet.
8. Dark spots on the skin
Type 2 diabetes is sometimes associated with a condition called acanthosis nigricans. It causes dark, velvety patches of skin in the folds of the body, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. These changes in skin color can be a sign of insulin resistance.
Final thoughts
Recognizing the early signs of diabetes can lead to early intervention and better control of the disease. Symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, sores that are slow to heal, and skin changes should not be ignored. If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
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