Often dubbed as the “silent killer,” over 100,000 people die from diabetes every year. The fatality is usually tied with either the lack of timely diagnosis or due to lack of management of the condition. Either way, the onset of diabetes happens with a lot of symptoms that we brush to the side.
For millions of people across the world, diabetes starts with subtle symptoms that we often tend to overlook, often confusing them with everyday fatigue, aging, or stress. However, since early detection of diabetes is associated with optimal management, paying attention to these signs is crucial.
At Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention and proactive care. So, let us walk you through the list of early signs and symptoms of diabetes you shouldn’t ignore.
What is Diabetes and Its Types?
Before we take a closer look into the early signs and symptoms, it is crucial we understand what the condition is and what its types are.
Diabetes mellitus is a progressive and chronic ailment that affects how your body processes blood glucose (sugar). There are three main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
When there’s improper insulin function in the body, it leads to glucose buildup in the blood, elevating the risks of certain chronic ailments like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision loss.
What are the Alarming Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?
There are numerous early signs and symptoms of diabetes that we often brush to the side, chalking them for “everyday” issues, when they could be indicating towards the possibility of diabetes onset.
The following are the red alerts you should pay close attention to:
1. Frequent Urination
Also known as polyuria, frequent urination is an alarming sign of diabetes. This symptom is usually more triggered during the night time. When there’s excess glucose in the bloodstream due to diabetes, your kidneys work in an overdrive to filter and excrete it via urine, which, in turn, means extra trips to the bathroom.
So, if you are waking up frequently and multiple times at night to urinate, this could be your body signalling that your glucose levels are high.
2. Excessive Thirst
When you are frequently urinating, it contributes to excess thirst, also known as polydipsia. Since your body is flushing out and excreting the excess fluids out of the body, it compensates by triggering the urge to drink more and more water.
If you persistently feel thirsty every hour or so, one that doesn’t seem to go away even when you are drinking plenty of fluids, it is again indicative of a deeper metabolic issues, primarily diabetes.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
A sudden drop in your weight, without you actively doing anything, is also a potential sign of diabetes. Rapid weight loss, albeit its benefits, is a red flag since it indicates that something is wrong with the body functioning. When your body can’t use glucose for energy due to insulin issues, it begins breaking down fat and muscle for fuel, leading to weight loss.
So, if you notice a quick weight loss, chances are that you could have diabetes. Rapid weight loss is more predominant in patients with type 1 diabetes but can also happen in patients with type 2 diabetes if their glucose levels aren’t managed.
4. Extreme Fatigue
Lethargy and fatigue are some of the most common telltale signs of diabetes. If you feel tired and sluggish even after a full night’s sleep, it is a sign that your body’s glucose levels might not be in control. This happens because the excess glucose that’s in your bloodstream is not able to enter your cells due to insulin resistance. When the cells aren’t able to break down and utilize the glucose, it is unable to generate the energy that the body needs to function.
If you find yourself chronically tired, especially when paired with some of the other mentioned symptoms in the list, it could be a sign of diabetes, one that demands immediate medical intervention.
5. Blurred Vision
High blood glucose not just affects the body’s energy levels, it takes a toll on a lot of the major organs in the body, including your eyes. Blurred vision may develop when fluid is pulled from the lenses of your eyes, affecting their ability to focus.
The risks of blurred vision and even impacts to the retina, due to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, is more when the diabetes has either not been diagnosed or left untreated or unmanaged. The best way to avoid such risks is by getting the best diabetes treatment in Dallas at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness.
6. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
A very common issue associated with diabetes is a condition called “neuropathy”. This is characterized by the pins-and-needles sensation and commonly starts in the hands or feet and may worsen over time.
While the initial stages of this issue isn’t as serious, chronic and untreated diabetes neuropathy can lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, foot ulcers, etc. In severe cases, neuropathy can even lead to risks of amputation.
7. Dark Patches on the Skin
Medically termed as “Acanthosis Nigricans”, this is a skin condition that is characterized by the development of dark, velvety patches on your neck, underarms, or groin. If you notice them on your body, be assured that it isn’t “dirt” or “lack of personal hygiene.” This is your body’s way of alerting you of insulin resistance and diabetes.
This particular symptom is quite common and recurrent in patients with Type 2 diabetes and is one of the first physical symptoms that indicate that something is off internally. Besides this, if you notice an increase in the development of skin tags, that’s also a sign of diabetes.
8. Recurrent Infections
If you are experiencing recurrent infections in your body every few weeks or months, one that’s taking time to heal and recover, that’s another sign of high blood sugar levels. Over time, diabetes and high blood sugar weakens the immune system, making your body more susceptible to infections, particularly:
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Yeast infections (especially common in women)
- Gum infections
So, instead of chugging antibiotics and pills consistently, consider getting a thorough evaluation to check whether or not you have diabetes.
Who is at Risk of Developing Diabetes?
Understanding whether or not you are at risks of developing (or already having diabetes) depends on recognizing the symptoms first. We have sorted those out.
You may be at higher risk for diabetes if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a sedentary lifestyle
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are over age 45
- Have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
- Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
The good news is that with timely diagnosis and proper interventions, it is possible to reverse diabetes and lead a healthy life. This is one of the reasons why we emphasize getting tested for diabetes every 6-9 months at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness.
How Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness Can Help?
If you suspect possibilities of having diabetes, our doctors at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness are here to help you navigate through the issue. We offer comprehensive, as well as compassionate care tailored to your unique health journey.
Here’s what you can expect at our clinic in terms of diabetes treatment and management:
- Routine diabetes screening
- Blood sugar and A1C testing
- Personalized diabetes prevention plans
- Weight management support
- Lifestyle counseling and nutrition guidance
Whether you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to take preventive measures, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
Remember, diabetes is manageable—and often preventable—with the right medical guidance and lifestyle changes. But that begins with recognizing the red flags and taking prompt action.
You can schedule your consultation with us at 214-810-4331 or book online.