Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body loses its ability to produce insulin or when it cannot use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

When the body is unable to produce insulin or use it properly, sugar builds up in the blood and causes damage to vital organs. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness.

What are the signs of diabetes?

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes to seek prompt medical attention and prevent long-term complications. The most common signs of diabetes include:.

1. Increased hunger and thirst

If you feel hungry and thirsty all the time, it may be a sign of diabetes. When glucose builds up in the bloodstream, the body pulls fluid from the tissues to dilute it, which can leave you feeling dehydrated.

This, in turn, can cause you to feel thirstier than usual and lead to excessive urination.

2. Frequent urination

Diabetes causes the body to produce more urine than usual, which can make you feel like you need to go to the bathroom more often.

This symptom is more common in people with type 1 diabetes, as they have a complete lack of insulin, but it can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes if their blood sugar levels are not under control.

3. Fatigue

If you feel tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep, it may be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause your body to break down fat for energy, which can leave you feeling tired and sluggish.

4. Blurred vision

If you are experiencing blurred vision, it may be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell, which can result in blurry vision. If left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss.

5. Slow healing

Diabetes can slow down the body’s ability to heal wounds, cuts, and infections.

This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels and nerves, which can impair circulation and decrease the body’s ability to fight infections.

6. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, it may be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control sensation in the hands and feet, leading to peripheral neuropathy.

7. Unexplained weight loss

If you have lost weight without trying, it may be a sign of diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, the body tries to get rid of excess glucose by excreting it in the urine. This can cause you to lose water weight and lower your overall body weight.

8. Dry skin and frequent infections

Diabetes can cause dry skin and frequent infections. High blood sugar levels can affect the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Additionally, high blood sugar levels can cause dry skin, which can lead to cracking and infections.

9. Ketoacidosis

This is a serious complication of diabetes that can occur if blood sugar levels get too high. It happens when the body starts to break down fat for energy, which produces ketones.

High levels of ketones can make the blood acidic, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. If left untreated, ketoacidosis can lead to coma and death.

10. Gum disease

Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. High blood sugar levels can cause the gums to become inflamed and infected, leading to bleeding, swelling, and eventually tooth loss.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires careful management to prevent long-term complications.

By controlling your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness.