Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) from food for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss.
It is important to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of diabetes so that you can seek medical attention and begin treatment as soon as possible. Here are 15 early warning signs and symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of:
1. Increased Thirst and Urination
One of the earliest signs of diabetes is increased thirst and urination. When the body does not produce enough insulin, it cannot absorb glucose from the blood. As a result, the body tries to get rid of the excess glucose by producing more urine. This can lead to increased thirst as the body tries to replenish the lost fluids.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot use glucose for energy. As a result, the body is unable to produce enough energy to perform daily activities, leading to fatigue.
3. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Slow-Healing Wounds
Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal wounds. If you have diabetes, you may notice that cuts, scrapes, and bruises take longer to heal than usual.
5. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is another common symptom of diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot use glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss.
6. Increased Hunger
Increased hunger is another common symptom of diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot use glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins to crave food in order to get the energy it needs.
7. Numbness or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. If you experience this symptom, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
8. Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are more common in people with diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels can feed the growth of yeast in the body.
9. Dry Skin
Dry skin is another common symptom of diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot use glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy, leading to dry skin.
10. Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
People with diabetes are more likely to experience frequent urinary tract infections. This is because high blood sugar levels can feed the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.
11. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Unusual vaginal discharge is another common symptom of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can feed the growth of yeast in the vagina, leading to an unusual discharge.
12. Dark Patches on the Skin
Dark patches on the skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, are another common symptom of diabetes. These patches are usually found in the armpits, neck, and groin area.
13. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are other common symptoms of diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot use glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy, leading to nausea and vomiting.
14. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another common symptom of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the body to break down fat and muscle for energy, leading to abdominal pain.
15. Fruity-Smelling Breath
Fruity-smelling breath is another common symptom of diabetes. When the body does not have enough insulin, it cannot use glucose for energy. As a result, the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy, leading to a fruity-smelling breath.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can help prevent serious health complications.
