Diabetes is a lifelong condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. The good news is that it can be managed with proper treatment, and catching it early is key to preventing long-term damage to your body.

In this article, we’ll go over the symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of to catch it early.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes glucose, which is the main source of energy for your cells.

This happens when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, which is a hormone made by your pancreas that regulates glucose in your blood, or it doesn’t use it effectively, which is known as insulin resistance.

Symptoms of Diabetes

There are several symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of. Some of these symptoms can be subtle and often go unnoticed, while others can be more severe and should be taken seriously.

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst and frequent urination. This happens when your body tries to flush out excess glucose through your urine.

If you feel like you’re drinking more water than usual or have to use the bathroom more frequently, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

2. Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when your body can’t effectively use glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down fat and muscle for fuel instead.

3. Fatigue

Feeling tired or fatigued is another symptom of diabetes. This happens when your cells aren’t getting enough glucose to function properly. If you’re feeling tired even after getting a good night’s sleep, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

4. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision can also be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when high blood sugar levels cause the fluids in your eyes to shift, affecting your ability to focus properly.

If you’re experiencing blurred vision, it’s important to get checked for diabetes right away.

5. Slow Healing Wounds

Another symptom of diabetes is slow healing wounds. This happens when high blood sugar levels damage your blood vessels and affect your body’s ability to heal itself properly.

If you have a cut or wound that’s taking longer than usual to heal, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

6. Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet

Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet can also be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when high blood sugar levels damage your nerves, affecting your ability to feel sensation properly.

If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

7. Dry Skin

Having dry skin can be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when high blood sugar levels cause your body to lose fluids, leading to dry, itchy skin. If you’re experiencing dry skin, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

8. Infections and Yeast Infections

Infections and yeast infections can also be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when high blood sugar levels create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

If you’re experiencing frequent infections or yeast infections, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

9. Mood Swings

Mood swings can also be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when high blood sugar levels affect your mood and cause you to feel irritable or depressed. If you’re experiencing mood swings, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

10. Increased Hunger

Increased hunger can also be a symptom of diabetes. This happens when your body can’t use glucose effectively, so it starts craving more food to compensate. If you’re experiencing increased hunger, it’s important to get checked for diabetes.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes so that you can catch it early and get proper treatment. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider and get checked for diabetes.