Early Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore
While many people aren’t aware that they have it, diabetes mellitus has become extremely common in the world.
Diabetes impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide and can lead to major health complications if not managed correctly. It’s important to be aware of the early signs of diabetes so you can take the appropriate measures to care for your body before the condition becomes too severe to treat. Here are some early signs of diabetes you shouldn’t ignore
Increased Hunger
Diabetes is a disease that affects how glucose is processed by the body. Glucose (sugar) gets broken down and used for energy, like all the other nutrients in food. When someone has diabetes, their pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to help glucose enter cells and be stored as energy. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into cells to produce energy. Without enough insulin, there’s nothing to bring blood sugar back down after a meal so it stays elevated for longer periods between meals and overnight causing higher than normal blood sugars which are called hyperglycemia.
Tiredness
If you are finding yourself too tired or sore to complete your daily tasks, there may be a problem. Your body is telling you that it is either not getting enough glucose to use as energy, or is producing too much glucose and cannot process it. The two major causes of this are diabetes and cancer. Fortunately, if you’re noticing these symptoms, you still have time to get the right diagnosis and start treatment before things worsen.
Frequent Urination
As someone with diabetes, I’m in the best position to speak about frequent urination. According to the American Diabetes Association, if you’re an adult with diabetes and are experiencing frequent urination — defined as going more than two times every hour or waking up at night to go to the bathroom — it could be a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. This is called hyperglycemia and needs immediate attention from your doctor. It’s important not to wait since low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can develop from over-treating for hyperglycemia or developing complications such as ketoacidosis. If left untreated, it can lead to hospitalization or even death.
Dry Mouth
Oral dryness can be a sign that your diabetes is out of control. If you notice an increase in the amount of saliva you produce and/or a decreased ability to taste sweet or salty foods, it could be because your blood sugar levels are too high. Another symptom to watch for is frequent thirst, which is caused by insulin resistance or depletion. Drinking lots of fluids throughout the day will help, but if you notice other symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, blurred vision, or incontinence, go see your doctor right away.
Blurred Vision
Vision disturbances can be early indicators of diabetes. The most common symptom is blurred vision, but other changes may also occur, such as impaired color vision or seeing multiple images. Other symptoms to watch for are fluid buildup in the legs, high blood pressure (hypertension), frequent urination, and blurred vision. It’s important to mention these symptoms to your doctor if you think they might be signs of diabetes.
Skin Infections (at unusual times or places)
Skin infections are an early sign that diabetes may be developing. These can arise at unexpected times and places, or seem worse than usual. The most common type is called cellulitis, which occurs when bacteria enter through cuts or wounds in the skin and produce toxins that enter the bloodstream. Cellulitis is often characterized by painful red spots with a raised border (or halo), yellow skin patches, and warmth to the touch, and it can spread.
The types of skin infections vary in severity depending on what types of bacteria are involved. Infections like cellulitis can potentially lead to other dangerous health complications, so it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any signs.
Recurring Infections
The first and most common early sign is frequent infections. This can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or diabetes may have damaged your immune system. Blood glucose levels that are either too high or too low can also cause this symptom. Untreated wounds will eventually lead to them festering and even developing into ulcers, which is another way to know if you may have this disease. An infection in the bladder can be a cause as well if it often leads to pain during urination, a fever, or other symptoms as stated by WebMD.
