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Diabetes is a chronic illness that can lead to critical problems if not caught and managed early. But that can be challenging because its early symptoms are often subtle and go unnoticed. Recognizing the early signs can help you get treatment sooner and av
Nearly 40 million people in the US have diabetes. Of these, about 9 million are unaware of their condition.
Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to serious health issues like kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, and heart disease.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and an ideal opportunity to stress the importance of early diabetes diagnosis to prevent complications.
The team at Hibari Family Medical in Edgewater, New Jersey, led by Chika Kuwama, MD, explains six early signs that may indicate it’s time for a diabetes screening.
1. Persistent hunger
Typically, glucose is your body’s primary energy source. When you have diabetes, your body can’t use glucose correctly, which leads to low energy levels in your cells, causing frequent hunger even after eating.
2. Frequent urination and increased thirst.
Your kidneys filter excess glucose from your blood. With diabetes, glucose levels rise, and your kidneys may struggle to keep up. Extra glucose is passed in your urine, pulling water with it, leading to more frequent urination and dehydration, which makes you feel thirsty.
3. Ongoing fatigue
Fatigue in diabetes has two leading causes.
First, your cells get less energy because they can’t use glucose properly.
Second, frequent urination and sleep problems, such as those caused by nerve pain, may interfere with sleep. Depression linked to managing diabetes can also cause fatigue.
4. Blurry vision
High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that supply your eyes with nutrients, and diabetes can also damage the cornea. Without treatment, these changes can result in blurry vision and, over time, vision loss.
5. Tingling in hands or feet
High glucose levels can damage nerves, especially in your hands and feet. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, causes tingling, numbness, or pain. Without proper care, it can lead to permanent numbness or even limb amputation.
6. Unexplained weight loss
The connection between glucose and insulin gives your cells the energy they need.
When this connection gets disrupted by diabetes, your body starts breaking down fat and muscle for fuel.
Unintended weight loss is more common in people with Type 1 diabetes, though it can also happen with Type 2.
Get tested for diabetes
Diabetes can cause a wide range of symptoms and serious complications. The good news is that diabetes can be diagnosed with a simple test.
Early treatment with medication and lifestyle changes can help manage it.
If you notice any of the early signs described above, don’t wait. Book an appointment at Hibari Family Medical today. Call 201-903-9929 or request a visit online.