If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important for them to be aware of the common signs and symptoms. However, many people are unaware that there are some subtle and unexpected signs of diabetes. In this article, we will explore these lesser known signs and symptoms, so that individuals can be better prepared and informed of any changes in their body, lifestyle, and diet, that may indicate that they are at risk for diabetes.
1. What is Diabetes and What are its Symptoms?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly due to problems with insulin. It occurs when either the pancreas fails to make enough insulin or the body is unable to respond properly to insulin produced. High sugar levels can have serious complications, many of which are preventable with proper management.
The first signs of diabetes can be easily missed because they can be quite subtle. It’s important to know the symptoms and watch out for them. Common symptoms associated with diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Heavy thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and irritability
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
However, there are several other symptoms that occur in people with diabetes. These unexpected signs include yeast infections, dry mouth, and poor circulation.
- Yeast infections are very common in people with diabetes due to an increase in sugar in the body.
- Dry mouth can occur due to dehydration caused by the frequent urination associated with diabetes.
- Poor circulation can cause coldness in the extremities, especially the hands and feet.
It is important to pay attention to any changes in your body and if you experience any of these unexpected signs of diabetes, consult your doctor for an evaluation.
2. Are There Any Unexpected Signs of Diabetes?
Excessive Thirst – One of the telltale signs of diabetes is excessive thirst, known as polydipsia. This symptom happens as your body tries to get rid of the excess sugar in your blood, which causes the body to produce more urine. This in turn can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and contact a doctor if you’re experiencing this symptom.
Frequent Urination – The body naturally wants to remove any excess sugar in the bloodstream, so when abnormal amounts of sugar enter the body, the body produces more urine to flush the sugar out. This is known as polyuria and can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
Unexpected Weight Loss – Unexplained weight loss is an indication that your body is unable to process and use the sugar in the blood properly. This can be caused by Hyperglycemia, a state in which the body is unable to use all the sugar in the blood. As the body fails to use the energy it needs, it begins to break down fat and muscle to make up for the shortfall.
Blurred Vision – The eye is an organ that can easily be affected by diabetes. High levels of glucose in the body cause the liquid inside your eye, called the vitreous, to expand. This can cause blurry vision or the appearance of floaters in your field of vision.
Skin Issues – Unusual skin problems such as itching, dryness or infections can be a sign of poorly managed diabetes. Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause rashes on the skin. If you notice any changes in your skin, contact a doctor as soon as possible as they can be signs of more serious issues.
Slow Healing of Wounds – Diabetes weakens the body’s ability to heal wounds, making them more prone to infections. Extremely high or low blood sugar levels can prevent skin cells from regenerating fast enough, leading to slow healing. If you notice any wounds that are taking longer to heal, contact a doctor right away.
3. What are the Unexpected Signs You Should Know About?
Diabetes is a very serious condition, and while there are some common signs to look out for, there are also some that you may not be familiar with that can indicate you have diabetes. Being aware of these unusual signs can help you catch the disease before it does too much damage.
- Unexplained extreme fatigue is a potential sign of diabetes
- Sorthness of breath is very common, even during normal activity
- Frequent urination, particularly at night, is a warning sign
- Blurred vision and tingling and numbness in the extremities may indicate a problem
- Unexplained weight loss is another potential warning sign, as diabetes can cause the body to burn fat and muscle
- A persistent feeling of hunger, despite regular eating is a good indicator that something is wrong
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds is common when diabetes is present
These symptoms are usually quite noticeable, and if you find that you have some or even all of these signs it may be a good idea to visit a doctor and discuss the possibility of diabetes. Remember that early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment, so never ignore the warning signs.
4. How to Manage Diabetes?
Diabetes can be a daunting condition to manage, but understanding the basics can make the process a little easier to understand. Here are 4 tips for managing diabetes:
- Keep Track of Your Blood Sugar: Managing your diabetes means keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels. Tracking your glucose levels will help you determine which foods can help or hurt your diabetes.
- Exercise Regularly: A regular exercise routine helps reduce your blood sugar levels and can help keep your diabetes in check. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise per week.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Eating healthy is an important part of managing diabetes. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, and increase your intake of whole-grain carbohydrates, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
- Monitor Medication: Talk to your doctor about any medications you take, as some can have an effect on your glucose levels. Monitor your medications and adjust your dosage as needed.
Managing diabetes can be difficult, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to better managing your condition.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs outlined above, it may be wise to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can be the key to reducing long-term health risks associated with diabetes. Don’t take any chances with your health – get the facts and be informed.