If you know the common signs of diabetes, you can be proactive in staying healthy and catching the disease early on. Diabetes is a serious health condition, but early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize its effects on your body. In this article, we’ll discuss the early warning signs of diabetes so that you can know what to look for.
1. What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough or any insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar. Without proper insulin production, blood sugar levels can become dangerously high. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes: is an autoimmune disease that develops when the body is unable to produce insulin. It is often diagnosed in children and young adults. It cannot be prevented.
Type 2 Diabetes: develops when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or when the body’s cells are unable to use insulin efficiently.Usually, it is caused by the lifestyle choices such as being overweight, not getting enough exercise, eating unhealthy foods, and smoking. It can also be caused by some medical conditions.
Knowing the early warning signs of diabetes can help in catching the disease early and managing it more effectively. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Unusual hunger
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.
2. Who is at Risk?
Diabetes affects different people in different ways; however, there are certain groups of people who are more at risk than others. Here are some of the risk factors for getting diabetes.
- Age: As you get older, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases.
- Family History: If you have a family history of diabetes, you are more likely to get it.
- Race: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans are more likely to get diabetes than other racial groups.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk of diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In some cases, you may not be able to control or prevent these risk factors; however, understanding the risk factors can help you manage your diabetes and stay healthy.
3. Early Warning Signs of Diabetes
Frequent Urination: People who have diabetes often experience an increase in urination. This is because glucose is accumulating in the blood, resulting in increased pressure in the kidneys.
Thirst: Dehydration due to frequent urination also causes people with diabetes to become thirsty, even after drinking plenty of fluids.
Fatigue: The elevated level of glucose in the blood can prevent the body from getting enough energy out of the food consumed. This leads to symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, and a general lack of energy.
Weight Loss: Diabetes can also lead to an unintentional weight loss. This is because the body is unable to use the energy of the food due to the inability to process insulin.
Blurred Vision: High levels of glucose in the blood can cause fluid build up in the eye that will distort vision. This can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision.
Slow-healing Wounds: Diabetes causes people to have poor circulation, leading to slow wound healing. This can also lead to a higher risk of developing infections.
Numbness in Hands and Feet: This occurs due to nerve damage caused by high levels of glucose in the blood. It can result in tingling, burning, or even numbness in the extremities.
4. How to Manage Diabetes?
Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan in place you can keep your diabetes under control. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Consult with your doctor – your doctor will be able to recommend the diabetes treatment program that is best for you.
- Monitor your blood sugar – regularly checking your blood sugar levels is the best way to make sure they stay balanced.
- Eat healthy – make sure your diet is balanced to include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy grains.
- Exercise – regular exercise can lower your blood sugar levels and keep you fit.
- Take your medications – follow your doctor’s instructions for taking medication to help manage and control your diabetes.
These tips can help you to manage your diabetes, while also being aware of the early warning signs. If you recognize any of the warning signs of diabetes, it is important to consult with your doctor and get the right treatment plan so you can keep your diabetes in check.
When it comes to diabetes, it’s always best to be informed. Knowing the early warning signs can go a long way towards identifying your risk for this serious disease. If you’re ever in doubt or believe you may be experiencing warning signs, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor and get the help you need.