Type 2 diabetes can result in a person’s blood sugar levels becoming elevated to the point of damaging organs and tissue. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of this chronic condition can result in quicker treatment, which leads to a reduced risk of developing severe complications. Diabetes, while very prevalent and widely known, is often misunderstood by people who do not directly experience it. Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not easily diagnosed in its early stages. Most often, people who are diagnosed already have developed full-stop diabetes, either Type 1 or Type 2.
These facts make it important to understand some of the early warning signs that you might otherwise overlook. Knowing the warning signs of diabetes is crucial because catching diabetes early is the difference between prevention and the development of a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
The CDC estimates that over 80 million people in the U.S. have pre-diabetes. Do you know what the warning signs for this include?
Warning Signs of Diabetes And Pre-Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes can show signs early on that include:
Frequent Urination
Diabetes puts extra stress on the kidneys to filter out the extra sugar, which causes frequent urination. These symptoms most often occur at night.
Dehydration
Another common symptom is dehydration. Dehydration causes extreme feelings of thirst that can be very uncomfortable. This is also a direct result of the frequent urination which causes your body to crave more water.
Feelings Of Insatiable Hunger And/Or Increased Thirst
People who suffer from diabetes are not able to properly break down the food they eat. The digestive system breaks down food into a simple sugar called glucose, which the body uses as fuel. For those with diabetes, not enough of this glucose moves from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.
This causes people with Type 2 diabetes to experience hunger nearly all the time, regardless of how much they have eaten.
Feeling Lethargic
Another side effect of excess urination and hunger is feeling very tired. These take a toll on your body’s natural energy metabolism, which hinders your ability to stay awake, focused, and alert throughout the day.
Blurry Vision
When too much sugar is present in the body, the small blood vessels in the eyes can become damaged and impair your vision. The blurry vision can come and go and may present itself in one or both of your eyes.
Tingling Or Numbness In The Extremities
When blood sugar levels are not normal, the body’s nerves and blood circulation processes get thrown off in a significant way. The accepted medical term for this affliction is neuropathy, and it can worsen over time and lead to serious complications if not dealt with professionally.
Why Getting Diagnosed Early Is Important
Recognizing any of these symptoms and getting diagnosed early on can help you get the treatment you need and prevent your diabetes from developing into something much more severe. Getting the proper treatment from your doctor, making targeted lifestyle changes, and continuously monitoring blood sugar levels is the best way to ensure that you do not allow your diabetes to progress.
The reason early diagnosis is so essential is because untreated diabetes can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications that include:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Nerve Damage
- Kidney Disease
- Sexual Health Issues
These are just a few examples as serious cases of diabetes can negatively impact nearly every aspect of your life.
The best way to improve your chances is to watch for the warning signs and get tested regularly. Keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels is easy and just requires a simple test every couple of years. Doing this can help you stay on top of your blood sugar levels and ensure your lifestyle choices are working to keep your body healthy.
Contact Imperial Center Family Medicine For Info On The Warning Signs Of Diabetes
Imperial Center Family Medicine is a preventive and primary care practice dedicated to providing high-quality care to their valued patients. Reach out to Imperial today to learn more about diabetes or schedule a screening. Their team of experienced providers offers primary and preventive services in the Triangle Area of North Carolina to help manage their patients’ ongoing health and wellness needs.