Seven Early Warning Signs of Diabetes You Must Know. Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, this condition can lead to various health complications.
As you might know, diabetes affects a significant portion of the global population. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as of 2021, an estimated 463 million adults (aged 20-79) were living with diabetes worldwide. The prevalence of diabetes has been increasing globally. And if the current trend continues, the IDF predicts that 783 million people will have diabetes by 2045.
Identifying the early signs of diabetes is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Therefore, in this article, we would like to refresh your memory about the early signs and symptoms of diabetes to watch out for.
What are the early symptoms of diabetes?
The early symptoms of diabetes can vary from person to person. Some individuals may not even experience noticeable symptoms at all. However, the most common early symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent Urination
One of the early signs of diabetes is increased urination. It occurs as a result of elevated blood sugar levels and the body’s attempt to remove the excess glucose through urine. This leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially during the night.
- Excessive Thirst
Increased urination can cause dehydration, leading to persistent thirst. People with early-stage diabetes may feel unusually thirsty and need more water than usual.
- Increased Hunger
Polyphagia is the medical term used to describe excessive hunger in people with diabetes. It is known as one of the most common early symptoms of diabetes.
Polyphagia happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively, causing the body to become unable to turn the food you consume into energy.
As this leads to a lack of energy, your body feels hungry. For people with diabetes, simply eating will not be enough to get rid of their hunger. Instead, eating more will only further increase blood glucose levels.
- Unexplained Weight Loss
Many people with diabetes may experience sudden and unexplained weight loss despite eating normally or even more than usual. Hence, unexplained weight loss can be an early indication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin, causing it to break down muscle and fat for energy, causing weight loss. And in type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, resulting in the inability of glucose to enter cells, also ending up in weight loss.
read more article Type 2 Diabetes in Children: Things All Parents Must Know
- Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling excessively tired, especially if you have had enough rest, can be a symptom of diabetes. When the body can not properly utilize glucose for energy due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, it can result in a lack of energy and persistent fatigue.
- Slow Healing of Wounds
High blood sugar levels can affect the body’s ability to heal wounds efficiently. A person with diabetes might notice that small cuts, bruises, or infections may take longer to heal. They may also become more prone to infections.
- Blurred Vision
Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blurred vision affecting one or both eyes. It can occur often or rarely and come and go as the glucose levels fluctuate. This condition may be an early sign of diabetes.
We hope we have refreshed your memory about the symptoms of diabetes. If you believe that you have experienced any of the above symptoms, or it has been a while since you had a routine check-up, our English-speaking team of doctors at Prime Plus Medical in Canggu is ready to assist you.
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