What Are Some Early Signs of Diabetes?

What Are Some Early Signs of Diabetes?
Manoj Kumar Published : Feb 07, 2024 Last Updated : Feb 07, 2024

Diabetes is a severe health issue that affects millions of people globally. In some cases, diabetes may even lead to death if left untreated. Knowing the early signs of diabetes may help one to get treatment earlier. It will tackle such health issues more effectively and treat them before they become serious. Here is a complete article on the early signs that can help you detect diabetes. Also, knowing what lifestyle changes and practices will help you to prevent risk factors.

Early Signs of Diabetes

Increased thirst

During diabetes, our body is unable to use insulin in the proper way that it produces. In response, you will observe an increase in your thirst. The water intake will increase as compared to the amount you usually drink. Frequent urination and the urge to drink more water than usual can signify diabetes.

Increased urination

Frequent urination can be an early sign of diabetes in people. In diabetes, our body can't properly process sugar, and as a result, it builds up in the bloodstream. When our body tries to remove this excess sugar, it produces more urine. As a result, fluid loss increases and may cause dehydration. Also, in some cases, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves that control the bladder. As a result, it may also lead to increased urination.

Fatigue

Fatigue can also be the earliest sign of diabetes. But some other conditions may cause fatigue. However, if you observe fatigue along with these listed symptoms, it can be a sign of diabetes.

Blurred vision

A person with diabetes can come across many eye problems and incredibly blurry vision. It can be due to damage to tiny blood vessels in your eyes due to high blood sugar levels. These tiny blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to your eyes. Damage under diabetes may cause glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision problems.

A diabetic person must see an eye doctor if they experience vision problems. Getting treatment earlier may help you to prevent the severe risk of diabetes in your eyes.

Hunger

A person with diabetes can experience increased hunger, as it can be one of the early signs of diabetes. It happens when the body can't process sugar properly. As a result, it starts to break down muscle and fat for energy. Thus, it constantly makes you feel hungry even if you have eaten. Also, if you always feel hungry and eat more than usual while still not putting on weight, it can be a sign of diabetes. Side effect of diabetes are cardivascular diseses and neuropathic pain.

Slow-healing of wounds

In diabetes, minor cuts or scrapes may take longer than the average healing rate. It happens due to the effect of diabetes on the nerve and blood vessels that help the body to heal wounds.

A person having diabetes should take good care of their skin. Safely do activities, and prevent themselves from any injury. Also, it would be best to ignore any infection or skin reactions like swelling, pus, or redness. Seek medical care and keep precautions as advised.

So if you observe slow-healing of your wounds or cuts or develop any other skin problems, visit a doctor.

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

A symptom like numbness or tingling in the hands or feet is one of the early signs of diabetes. It happens due to nerve damage from the high blood sugar levels in the body. See a doctor if you feel pain in your feet or notice cuts or sores that become infected, as it can be a sign of diabetes.

Recurrent infections

Experiencing recurrent infections can be a few early signs of diabetes in people. If you get more infections than usual or wounds take longer to heal, it can be a sign of diabetes. Facing UTI(urinary tract infection) as a recurrent infection can also be a sign of diabetes. If you find yourself getting more UTIs than usual or recurrent infections, you must see a doctor soon.

Darkening of the skin around the neck or in the armpits

Yes, darkening of the skin around the neck or in the armpits can also be an early sign of diabetes. It happens due to the build-up of sugar in your blood, which may lead to insulin resistance. So, if you notice such symptoms, you must see a doctor and know what exactly is causing it. If it's due to diabetes, take proper treatment and precautions.

How to prevent diabetes?

Here we listed a few things that may help you to prevent diabetes. Also, adopting such lifestyle changes will help you improve the quality of your life.

  • Eat only healthy foods. The food you eat is essential in keeping you healthy, so focus on what you eat. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking and quit the habit of drinking alcohol. Using such substances can damage the pancreas and lead to diabetes.
  • Keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. If you notice a hike in your blood sugar levels, consult a doctor immediately.
  • Maintain your overall health, manage stress levels, take enough sleep.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious health problem that can have disastrous consequences if not treated on time. However, by recognizing the early signs of diabetes and making positive lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk. Following these tips can help prevent, detect or even reverse the effects of diabetes. With proper care and Diabetes Medications, it is possible for those affected by this disease to lead healthy lives.