Millions of people are living with diabetes throughout the world, yet not everyone is aware that they have this condition. Although people are usually born with type 1 diabetes, you can develop type 2 at any point as you age. In fact, your risk of having this condition increases after the age of 45.
You’re also at a greater risk of developing diabetes if you are overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle, or have family members with the condition. Knowing your risk factors is important since it can help you to take steps to prevent developing diabetes. However, you’ll also want to be aware of these 10 signs of diabetes so that you can seek prompt medical attention.
Everyone gets thirsty at some point, especially if you are engaging in a heavy activity or are outside in the sun. Staying hydrated is important, and you shouldn’t worry about drinking a normal amount of water each day. Excessive thirst occurs when you feel like you simply cannot drink enough water despite emptying your glass regularly. This happens because your body draws water from other tissues to help dilute the high levels of sugar in your blood.
This symptom goes hand in hand with excessive thirst. Naturally, you’ll notice that your urine output increases when your body is trying to get rid of the excess fluid it is using to dilute your blood. As your kidneys work harder to filter sugar out of your bloodstream, you’ll find yourself winding up in the bathroom more often than in the past.
Your body uses insulin to convert glucose into energy. When this isn’t happening properly, you’ll notice a drastic decrease in your energy levels. Keep in mind that some degree of fatigue is normal. You should feel tired at the end of the day or if you have a sleepless night. Fatigue that is associated with diabetes tends to be pervasive. You’ll likely wake up feeling tired and find yourself struggling to make it through the day without taking a nap.
Since your body isn’t converting glucose into energy, it may become confused and think that you aren’t eating enough food. People with diabetes often feel as though their hunger is insatiable. If you feel hungry, even after a full meal, then it is possible your body isn’t able to process your food effectively.
Diabetic neuropathy occurs when your body’s blood sugar fluctuations begin to affect the nerves. Most people notice this as a 'pins and needles' feeling in their arms, legs, hands, and feet. If you don’t treat diabetes, then this is one symptom that can become permanent. Nerve damage is preventable with proper medication and lifestyle adjustments that help to keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high.
Those little cuts that typically healed up within a week may take longer when you have diabetes. Diabetes affects your blood circulation, and cuts need a good supply of blood to help them heal. You may also notice that bruises and other minor injuries take longer to heal than they did in the past.
Yeast thrives on sugar, and diabetes fills your body with excess amounts that encourage fungal growth. Many women experience occasional vaginal yeast infections, but these should still be relatively infrequent. Having more than four of these types of infections a year is a sign of diabetes. You’ll also want to be concerned if you develop a yeast infection in your mouth or other parts of your body where they tend to be rare.
Blurred vision is common in the later stages of untreated diabetes. This occurs due to the changes that happen with the blood vessels in your eye. High blood sugar levels can damage these delicate vessels that are responsible for helping your eyes maintain optimum functioning. Vision changes can also occur due to normal aging, but it is worth talking to your doctor about if the loss of acuity seems drastic.
Many people would welcome losing excess weight, especially if it doesn’t require a lot of work. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a good thing. Unexplained weight loss could be your body’s reaction to not receiving the right nutrients from the food that you eat. As your body works hard to try to manage your blood sugar levels, it consumes energy that it must start drawing from your fat stores since it can’t convert glucose properly.
Acanthosis nigricans is one of the more common skin changes that you might notice if you have diabetes. This skin condition causes brown, velvety patches to develop in your armpits, groin, or along the back of your neck. This skin change typically doesn’t cause any other symptoms such as pain or itching. Instead, you’ll visually spot this when you look at your skin in the mirror. If you notice this patch, then make sure to get tested for diabetes. It is often one of the first signs of pre-diabetes, which means that you may be in a good position to get control over your blood sugar levels before you experience long-lasting damage.
Diabetes is diagnosed through a simple blood test that may occur after you fast or drink a special glucose beverage. If you have diabetes, then treating your condition as soon as possible can help to reduce many of your symptoms. Making a few lifestyle changes and taking medication can help you to manage your blood sugar levels and prevent complications from developing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.