There are many serious health conditions that can be difficult to spot without the help of a medical professional, but there are some warning signs and symptoms of diabetes that you can be on the lookout for. If you experience any of the following 11 signs and symptoms of Diabetes, be sure to contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away:
#11. Increased Thirst
If you’re suddenly drinking lots more water than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes. This happens because the body is trying to get rid of the excess sugar in the blood by making more urine.
If you find yourself drinking more fluids than usual or waking up in the night to drink water, it could be a sign that your body is having trouble regulating its glucose levels.
#10. Frequent urination
If you have diabetes, your body may try to get rid of excess glucose by urinating frequently. This can lead to dehydration and an increased need to urinate, even at night.
When your body can’t properly process sugar, it causes excess sugar to be excreted in your urine. This can lead to increased frequency, as well as larger volumes being passed each time you go.
#09. Hormonal Imbalance
There are several warning signs of diabetes, all of which stem from a hormonal imbalance.
Your body may not be able to produce or use insulin properly if you have an imbalance of the hormones cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and eventually diabetes.
#08. Fatigue
Diabetes can cause fatigue because your body cannot properly use glucose for energy. This can lead to feelings of extreme tiredness and weakness.
Feeling tired all the time could be a sign that your body isn’t getting the energy it needs from food because insulin isn’t helping to transport sugar into your cells.
#07. Nausea and Vomiting
One of the early warning signs of diabetes is nausea and vomiting. This may be caused by a sudden increase in blood sugar levels.
If you experience nausea or vomiting, it is important to seek medical attention to determine if you have diabetes.
#06. Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
If you have diabetes, you may notice numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy, and it’s a common complication of the disease.
Diabetic neuropathy can happen for a number of reasons. High blood sugar can damage nerves, and diabetes can also cause changes in blood vessels that reduce blood flow to the nerves. The most common symptom of diabetic neuropathy is pain. You may feel a burning sensation, shooting pain, or pins-and-needles sensations. These symptoms can happen all over your body or just in specific areas like your hands or feet.
#05. Skin Infections
Skin infections and skin problems are common warning signs of diabetes. You may notice that you have more frequent or severe skin infections, or that your skin heals more slowly than usual. You may also develop itching, dryness, or changes in the color or texture of your skin.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and heart.
#04. Weight Loss
One of the most common warning signs of diabetes is weight loss. People with diabetes often lose weight even when they are eating more than usual. This happens because the body cannot use the sugar in the blood for energy.
If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be a sign that your body isn’t able to use insulin properly.
#03. Frequent Hunger
If you have diabetes, your body cannot properly process glucose. This can cause frequent hunger, even if you are eating enough food.
Untreated diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. With early diagnosis and treatment, however, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
#02. Slow healing of wounds
Slow healing of wounds is one of the most common warning signs of diabetes. If you have a cut or scrape that takes more than a week to heal, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is too high.
Slow healing of wounds can be a sign that your diabetes is not under control and may be progressing to a more serious stage.
#01. Blurred vision
Blurred vision is one of the warning signs of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to produce energy. When there is not enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly, too much sugar stays in your blood that can lead to serious health problems.
Blurred vision can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions. If you have blurred vision, see your doctor for an eye exam and blood tests to check for diabetes and other conditions.