Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage.

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in managing diabetes. However, many people with diabetes may not even realize they have it, as some of the symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked.

Here are ten subtle indications that you may have diabetes:.

1. Increased thirst and frequent urination

One of the hallmarks of diabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys try to filter out the excess glucose, which then ends up in the urine. This can cause you to feel dehydrated and thirsty more often.

As a result, you may need to urinate more often, even during the night.

2. Fatigue and weakness

High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue and weakness as the body struggles to use glucose for energy. This can also lead to irritability and difficulty concentrating.

3. Blurred vision

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause your vision to become blurry. This occurs because high blood sugar can cause fluid to be pulled from your body’s tissues, including the lenses of your eyes.

This can make focusing difficult and lead to blurred vision.

4. Slow-healing wounds

High blood sugar levels can impair circulation and damage blood vessels, which can slow down the healing process. This can be particularly concerning for people with foot ulcers, as they are at risk for complications such as infection and amputation.

5. Increased hunger

People with diabetes may experience increased hunger, even after eating. This is because the body is not able to use glucose properly for energy, leading to feelings of hunger and cravings for sugary foods.

6. Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, and legs. This is known as diabetic neuropathy and can cause pain and weakness in affected areas.

7. Dry skin and itching

People with diabetes may experience dry skin and itching due to changes in circulation and nerve damage.

This can be particularly problematic for those with diabetes-related skin conditions such as diabetic dermopathy, acanthosis nigricans, and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.

8. Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes. This occurs because the body is not able to use glucose properly for energy, causing it to turn to fat stores for energy instead.

9. Frequent infections

High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making people with diabetes more prone to infections. This can include skin infections, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and respiratory infections.

10. Mood swings

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect mood and cause irritability, anxiety, and depression. This is because glucose is an important source of energy for the brain, and changes in levels can harm cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if you have diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve overall health and well-being.