Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high levels of blood glucose (sugar) resulting from the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively.
While the symptoms of diabetes can be noticeable, there are some forms of the disease that are unobtrusive. In this article, we will take a closer look at unobtrusive diabetes, its symptoms, and how to recognize the warning signs.
What is unobtrusive diabetes?
Unobtrusive diabetes is a term used to describe diabetes that has no visible symptoms or only very mild symptoms that are often overlooked. This type of diabetes is also known as prediabetes or borderline diabetes.
People with unobtrusive diabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Unobtrusive diabetes is a serious condition that should not be ignored. If left untreated, it can develop into type 2 diabetes, which can lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
It is important to recognize the warning signs of unobtrusive diabetes so that you can take action early and prevent it from progressing into full-blown diabetes.
The warning signs of unobtrusive diabetes
Unobtrusive diabetes often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are very mild. However, there are some warning signs that you can look out for. These include:.
1. Increased thirst
One of the most common symptoms of unobtrusive diabetes is increased thirst. You may find yourself drinking more water than usual, and still feeling thirsty. This is because your body is trying to flush out excess sugar from your bloodstream.
2. Frequent urination
Another common symptom of unobtrusive diabetes is frequent urination. You may need to go to the bathroom more often than usual, especially at night. This is because your kidneys are working harder to remove excess sugar from your blood.
3. Fatigue
Unobtrusive diabetes can also cause fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell. This is because the body is not able to use sugar effectively for energy, so you may feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
4. Blurred vision
Unobtrusive diabetes can affect your vision, causing blurred vision or difficulty focusing. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes.
5. Slow healing
If you notice that cuts or bruises are taking longer than usual to heal, it could be a sign of unobtrusive diabetes. High blood sugar levels can affect your body’s ability to heal itself.
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6. Tingling or numbness
Unobtrusive diabetes can damage the nerves in your body, causing tingling or numbness in your hands and feet. You may also experience a burning sensation or pain.
7. Unexplained weight loss
While unobtrusive diabetes often causes weight gain, some people may experience weight loss. This is because the body is not able to use sugar effectively for energy, so it starts to break down fat and muscle for fuel.
What to do if you suspect unobtrusive diabetes
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional. They can perform a blood test to check your blood sugar levels and determine if you have unobtrusive diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with unobtrusive diabetes, there are things you can do to prevent it from progressing into type 2 diabetes.
How to prevent unobtrusive diabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes
The good news is that unobtrusive diabetes can be prevented from progressing into type 2 diabetes. Here are some tips on how to do it:.
1. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help to lower your blood sugar levels and improve your insulin sensitivity. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
3. Lose weight
If you are overweight, losing weight can help to improve your insulin sensitivity and lower your blood sugar levels. Aim to lose 5-10% of your body weight.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Quitting smoking can help to lower your risk of developing diabetes.
5. Manage stress
Stress can affect your blood sugar levels and make it harder to manage your diabetes. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to lower your stress levels.
Conclusion
Unobtrusive diabetes is a serious condition that should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see a healthcare professional.
By making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress, you can prevent unobtrusive diabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes and live a healthier life.
