Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition where the body cannot produce or effectively use insulin, which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Without proper treatment and management, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. However, many people with diabetes may not even know they have it. That’s why it’s important to be aware of these warning signs of diabetes:.

1. Increased thirst and hunger

One of the most common signs of diabetes is increased thirst and hunger.

When your blood sugar level is high, your body tries to flush the excess sugar out of your system by producing more urine, which can lead to dehydration, making you feel thirsty more often than usual. In addition, your body may not be able to use the glucose in your blood for energy, leading to increased hunger.

2. Fatigue

Feeling tired and sluggish can be a symptom of many health conditions, including diabetes. When your body cannot use glucose properly, it can lead to a lack of energy and exhaustion.

3. Frequent urination

As mentioned earlier, high blood sugar levels can cause your kidneys to work harder to filter out the excess glucose. This can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially during the night.

4. Blurred vision

High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the lens of your eyes, leading to blurred vision. If left untreated, this can cause permanent damage to your eyes.

5. Slow healing of wounds

Diabetes can affect your body’s ability to heal and fight infections. If you notice that your cuts and bruises are taking longer to heal than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes.

6. Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels can lead to numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. This is often one of the early signs of diabetes, especially in type 2 diabetes.

7. Unexplained weight loss

If you are losing weight without trying, it could be a sign of diabetes. When your body cannot use glucose for energy, it will start to break down fat and muscles, leading to weight loss.

8. Dry and itchy skin

High blood sugar levels can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. This is because diabetes can affect your body’s ability to produce the oils and moisture needed to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

9. Impotence

Men with diabetes may experience impotence or erectile dysfunction. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control sexual function.

10. Increased risk of infections

People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, especially urinary and skin infections, due to weakened immune systems and poor blood circulation.

If you notice that you are getting infections more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes.

In conclusion, if you experience any of these warning signs of diabetes, it is important to see your doctor for a blood sugar test.

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of serious complications and improve your quality of life.