Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s incapability to produce or utilize insulin effectively.

While the symptoms of diabetes may vary from one person to another, there are some warning signs that may have started showing up 20 years ago.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that alters the way your body processes blood sugar or glucose – the primary source of energy. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps your body metabolize glucose. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels in the body.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is classified into three types:.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes

Warning Signs of Diabetes

There are several warning signs of diabetes, which may or may not have started showing up 20 years ago. These warning signs include:.

Frequent urination: People with diabetes may have excessive urination. The kidneys work overtime to flush out excess sugar from the blood, resulting in frequent urination.
Increased thirst: With frequent urination, the body loses a lot of water, resulting in dehydration. This makes you feel thirsty all the time.
Constant hunger: Individuals with diabetes may experience constant hunger because the body is incapable of converting glucose into energy.
Unexplained weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a symptom that people with type 1 diabetes can experience. The body cannot use glucose for energy, so it starts burning fat and muscle for energy instead.
Fatigue: Due to decreased insulin-sensitivity or insulin production, people with diabetes may feel tired and lethargic all the time.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause the lens in your eye to swell, leading to blurred vision.
Slow healing of wounds: High blood sugar levels can make it harder for the body to heal wounds properly.

Complications of Diabetes

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to a host of complications, including:.

Cardiovascular disease: People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Kidney disease: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, leading to kidney disease.
Eye complications: Diabetes can lead to eye complications, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Nerve damage: Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, also known as peripheral neuropathy.
Infections: People with diabetes are also more susceptible to infections, such as skin infections like cellulitis and fungal infections like thrush.

Prevention Strategies

The following are some of the prevention strategies for diabetes:.

Physical activity: Physical activity can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and aid in weight loss.
Healthy diet: Choose foods that are low in sugar and fat and high in fiber and protein.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases blood sugar and puts you at risk of complications.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Avoid stress: Chronic stress can increase blood sugar levels, so it’s essential to avoid stress.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a significant health issue that can lead to various complications if left untreated. In case you experience any of the warning signs of diabetes, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to get tested for diabetes.

With routine monitoring, healthy lifestyle changes, and proper medication, it is possible to manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.