Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
How can you know if you have diabetes? Diabetes can often be a silent condition in its early stages, but there are certain signs and symptoms that can signal its onset. The hallmark symptoms that might alert you to diabetes include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, blurry vision, and unexplained weight loss.
Diabetes is a condition that impacts how your body processes glucose. It comes in various forms: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease leading to the destruction of insulin-producing cells, often occurring early in life. Type 2 diabetes, more prevalent in adults, is typically related to insulin resistance or deficiency and can be influenced by lifestyle choices.
Gestational diabetes arises during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and child’s future health. Prediabetes is a warning stage, with blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet enough in the diabetic range, providing an opportunity for preventive measures. According to the CDC, around 96 million American adults, which means more than 1 in 3 have prediabetes.
Early Signs of Diabetes
All types of diabetes have some of the same indicative forewarning signs.
Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
One of the most common early signs of diabetes is a significant increase in thirst. You might find yourself drinking more fluids than usual, only to feel thirsty again shortly after. This happens because your body is trying to get rid of excess sugar in your blood, leading to a need for more fluids to help flush out that sugar. As you drink more, you’ll urinate more, which is why frequent trips to the bathroom can also be a sign of diabetes.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Another possible symptom of diabetes is losing weight without trying. When your body can’t get energy from sugar because of a lack of insulin or insulin resistance, it starts burning fat and muscle for fuel. This can lead to unexpected weight loss.
Increased Hunger
Even though you are eating, you might still feel hungry all the time. This increased or extreme hunger, medically known as polyphagia, is because the glucose from food is not reaching your body’s cells. Since your body is not getting energy from food, it signals that you need to eat more.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired is a common symptom of diabetes. Your body is less efficient at converting food into energy, leaving you feeling depleted and fatigued.
Blurry Vision
High blood sugar levels can lead to blurry vision. This usually occurs when excess glucose pulls fluid from your tissues, including the lenses of your eyes, impacting your ability to focus.
Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections
High blood sugar can impact your blood flow and cause nerve damage, which makes it hard for your body to heal wounds.
Areas of Darkened Skin
Some people with diabetes see areas of darkened skin, particularly in the neck and armpit areas. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans and can be a sign of insulin resistance.
Tingling or Numbness
Experiencing tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in your lips, tongue, cheeks, hands, or feet can be a symptom of nerve damage, mainly caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, a condition known as neuropathy.
Dry Skin and Itchiness
Unusually dry skin or persistent itchiness, particularly if not associated with a change in skincare routine or a new product, may also be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can specifically lead to poor circulation and affect the moisture level in your skin.
Gum Disease and Dental Problems
Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding may be a sign of gum disease. Diabetes can weaken your ability to fight germs, leading to more frequent and severe gum infections.
Frequent Yeast Infections
Both men and women with diabetes can experience frequent yeast infections. High levels of glucose in the blood and urine provide an excellent breeding ground for yeast, leading to infection.
Irritability and Mood Changes
Don’t overlook emotional signs; irritability or unusual mood changes can also be associated with fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Headaches
Persistent headaches can sometimes be linked to diabetes, especially when they coincide with other symptoms on this list.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Struggling with sleep, such as feeling too restless to sleep or having trouble staying asleep, might be related to the effects of diabetes on your body.
Increased Snoring
Snoring isn’t always a sign of diabetes, but it can be associated with the condition, particularly if it’s a new issue. It can be related to the weight gain that sometimes accompanies the onset of diabetes.
Each of these symptoms can have multiple causes, and having one or even several of them doesn’t mean you have diabetes. However, they warrant attention, especially if they’re new, persistent, or worsening.
If you’re noticing these changes, it could be beneficial to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out diabetes, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of the disease, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle.
