As people age, they may experience changes in their health, attributed sometimes to old age.

However, certain symptoms that are often attributed to aging, such as frequent thirst, excessive urination, blurred vision, and fatigue, may be signs of diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health complications, including nerve damage, kidney disease, and blindness.

Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and seek medical attention if you suspect you may have it.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when your body can’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that helps regulate your blood sugar levels.

When your body can’t use insulin correctly, your blood sugar levels can rise abnormally, leading to diabetes.

There are two primary types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where your body attacks the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% of all cases. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body is resistant to insulin or not producing enough insulin to control your blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:.

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Skin infections or slow-healing wounds
Increased hunger
Irritability

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to diabetes, the first step is to see a doctor. Your doctor will perform a series of tests, including a blood glucose test, to determine if you have diabetes.

The blood glucose test measures your blood sugar level. A reading of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests may indicate that you have diabetes.

Your doctor may also perform other tests, such as a hemoglobin A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. This test can help determine if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.

In addition to these tests, your doctor may review your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if your symptoms are related to diabetes or another condition.

Why Aging Can Mask Symptoms of Diabetes?

Aging can make diagnosing diabetes more challenging because some of the symptoms of diabetes are common signs of aging.

For example, frequent urination and excessive thirst can be attributed to age-related changes in your bladder and urinary system, while skin infections and slow-healing wounds can be signs of reduced immunity, which can be a natural part of aging.

Furthermore, symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels can be masked by certain medications that older adults may be taking.

For example, some medications used for blood pressure and heart disease can affect blood sugar levels and mask the symptoms of diabetes.

Conclusion

Although some symptoms of diabetes may be masked by the natural aging process, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and seek medical attention if you experience them.

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can help prevent or delay the onset of serious health complications.