Find Out These Early Signs For Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body cannot effectively regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels due to issues with insulin production or utilisation. Early detection of diabetes is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of diabetes can help individuals seek medical advice and take steps to manage the condition. This article will explore the early signs of diabetes, including both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how you can identify these warning signs before the condition progresses.

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes primarily comes in two forms: Type 1 and Type 2. While Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence and is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and is linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Both types, however, share similar early symptoms that can manifest in subtle ways, making early diagnosis critical to managing the disease effectively.

Type 1 diabetes develops quickly and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed in time. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes develops more gradually, often going unnoticed for years. Regardless of the type, early detection can lead to better outcomes and prevent further health complications.

Early signs of diabetes

Recognising the early signs of diabetes is essential in preventing long-term damage to the body. While symptoms might not always be obvious, there are common indicators that should prompt you to seek medical advice. Below are some key early signs to watch out for.

1. Increased thirst and frequent urination

One of the hallmark early signs of diabetes is excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, and frequent urination, called polyuria. These symptoms occur because high levels of glucose in the bloodstream force the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb the sugar. When the kidneys cannot keep up, the excess glucose is expelled through urine, which in turn draws fluids from the tissues and leads to dehydration.

a. Why it happens

The body tries to get rid of excess glucose through urination, which leads to dehydration and a persistent feeling of thirst.

b. When to be concerned

If you notice you're constantly thirsty, drinking more than usual, and needing to urinate frequently, especially during the night, it could be a sign of diabetes.

2. Unexplained weight loss

Unexpected or unexplained weight loss is a common early sign of diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes. In Type 1, the body cannot produce insulin, which is necessary for converting glucose into energy. As a result, the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy, leading to rapid weight loss. In Type 2 diabetes, although weight loss is less common early on, some people may still experience this symptom if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled.

a. Why it happens

When the body can't use glucose for energy, it turns to fat and muscle tissue, resulting in weight loss.

b. When to be concerned

If you notice sudden weight loss without trying, it could indicate that your body is struggling to regulate glucose levels effectively.

3. Fatigue and weakness

Constant fatigue and a feeling of weakness are common symptoms in the early stages of diabetes. When the body can't effectively use glucose for energy, it results in low energy levels and fatigue. The frequent need to urinate and the dehydration that follows can also contribute to feeling constantly tired, even after a full night's rest.

a. Why it happens

Without sufficient insulin or the ability to use insulin, the body cannot properly convert food into energy, leading to chronic fatigue.

b. When to be concerned

If you feel persistently tired, sluggish, or weak despite getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy diet, it might be worth investigating whether diabetes is the cause.

4. Blurred vision

High blood sugar levels can affect the eyes by pulling fluid from the lenses, leading to swelling and changes in vision. Over time, consistently elevated glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. While blurred vision is one of the early signs of diabetes, untreated diabetes can lead to more serious eye complications, including blindness.

a. Why it happens

Excess sugar in the blood can cause swelling in the eye lenses, making it harder to focus and causing blurry vision.

b. When to be concerned

If you notice your vision becoming blurry or fluctuating between clear and unclear, especially in both eyes, it could be a sign of diabetes.

5. Slow healing of cuts and wounds

High blood sugar levels can impair circulation and damage nerves, which slows down the body's ability to heal wounds and fight infections. People with diabetes often notice that even small cuts, bruises, or blisters take much longer to heal than usual, and infections may develop more easily.

a. Why it happens

High glucose levels can weaken the immune system and damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow and slowing down the body's natural healing processes.

b. When to be concerned

If you find that cuts or wounds are taking longer than usual to heal or are easily becoming infected, it's a strong indicator that diabetes might be affecting your body's ability to recover.

6. Frequent infections

In addition to slow wound healing, people with diabetes are more prone to infections due to a compromised immune system. Common areas of infection include the gums, urinary tract, and skin. Yeast infections, in particular, thrive in high-sugar environments, making them more frequent in people with elevated blood glucose levels.

a. Why it happens

High sugar levels provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, making infections more likely and harder to treat.

b. When to be concerned

Recurrent infections, such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, or fungal infections, should raise concerns about blood sugar levels.

7. Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the hands or feet—known as neuropathy—is an early sign of nerve damage due to high blood sugar. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish the nerves, leading to neuropathy. If left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can cause more serious complications such as chronic pain or loss of sensation.

a. Why it happens

Prolonged exposure to high glucose levels damages the nerves, particularly in the extremities.

b. When to be concerned

If you experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands, feet, or legs, it may indicate early nerve damage from diabetes

8. Increased hunger (Polyphagia)

Despite eating regularly, individuals with undiagnosed diabetes may feel excessively hungry due to the body's inability to utilise glucose properly. This symptom, known as polyphagia, occurs because the cells in the body are starved for energy, leading to an increased appetite in an attempt to compensate for the lack of fuel.

a. Why it happens

Even though you may be eating, your body isn't effectively using the glucose for energy, leading to persistent hunger.

b. When to be concerned

If you find yourself feeling unusually hungry shortly after meals, this could be an early warning sign of diabetes.

Recognising the early signs of diabetes is crucial for managing the disease and preventing further complications. Increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, frequent infections, and tingling in the extremities are all common indicators that should not be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management. Early detection can lead to better control of blood sugar levels and a healthier life. Taking proactive steps toward diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health issues down the road and allow for a more manageable approach to living with diabetes.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.