Diabetes can often sneak up silently, but catching it early can make a significant difference in managing the condition. Recognising the early signs of diabetes is key, as it enables individuals to seek medical advice promptly. Here are ten early symptoms of diabetes you shouldn’t overlook.
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
High blood sugar levels force your kidneys to work overtime to filter out the excess sugar, leading to frequent urination. If you find yourself going to the bathroom more often than usual, especially at night, it could be a sign of diabetes.
- Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia)
Along with frequent urination, increased thirst is another early sign of diabetes. When your body loses more water due to excess urination, it signals you to drink more to replenish fluids, leading to persistent thirst.
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- Unexplained Weight Loss
Diabetes can cause rapid weight loss, even without changes in diet or exercise. With insufficient insulin to help glucose enter cells, your body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy, leading to unexplained weight loss.
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
When cells aren’t receiving enough glucose due to insulin resistance, the body sends signals of hunger. This can cause increased appetite or unusual cravings, especially for carbs or sugary foods.
- Fatigue and Weakness
Insulin resistance or low insulin production in diabetes keeps glucose from entering cells to provide energy, making you feel unusually tired or weak. Persistent fatigue despite good rest could indicate diabetes.
- Blurry Vision
High blood sugar levels can affect the shape of your eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision. If untreated, diabetes can lead to long-term damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, which may cause vision loss.
- Slow Healing of Wounds and Cuts
High blood sugar levels impact blood flow and impair the body’s natural healing process. If you notice cuts, bruises, or sores that are slow to heal, it’s a possible early sign of diabetes.
- Frequent Infections
Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making you more prone to infections. Urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and skin infections can be recurrent due to elevated blood sugar levels.
- Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time, especially in your extremities. Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your hands or feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, an early complication of diabetes.
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- Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Acanthosis nigricans, characterised by dark, velvety patches of skin, often appears in body folds such as the neck, armpits, and groin. This condition can be an early indicator of insulin resistance, which often precedes type 2 diabetes.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further testing. Early intervention can make a substantial difference in managing diabetes and preventing complications.
Managing Diabetes Early On
Lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels are essential for controlling diabetes in its early stages. Consult your doctor to create a personalised plan that suits your needs.
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