Diabetes is one of those health conditions that often sneaks up on you silently. Many people can have early symptoms without realising what is going on. Picking the signs early can help you manage blood sugar levels and potentially delay or even prevent it from progressing into full-blown diabetes.
Feeling extra thirsty
This is not your usual thirst that can be quenched with a glass of water. People with high blood sugar often feel an intense, unquenchable thirst. When your sugar levels are elevated, your kidneys work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose. This process takes water, which in turn makes you feel more dehydrated.
If you are sipping water all day and still cannot seem to satisfy your thirst, it could be worth checking your blood sugar.
Frequent washroom breaks
Another common early symptom is frequent urination. When there is too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys cannot filter it all out, so it's excreted in urine.
This not only leads to more trips to the bathroom but also contributes to dehydration, which is why excessive thirst and frequent urination often go hand in hand.
Unexplained fatigue
Fatigue is something we all experience from time to time, but with diabetes, it can feel different. High blood sugar levels affect the way your body processes and uses glucose for energy. As a result, you may feel a kind of tiredness that does not go away, no matter how much rest you get.
It's not just physical exhaustion; it can also impact your mental focus, making it hard to concentrate or stay alert.
Blurred vision
Vision changes are another sign that can pop up early in diabetes. When blood sugar is too high, it can cause the lens in your eye to swell, which affects your ability to see clearly. This blurriness often comes and goes, and it's a symptom worth paying attention to.
Weight loss
Losing weight without trying may sound like a dream come true, but in the case of diabetes, it is a major red flag. When the body cannot properly use glucose for energy, it starts breaking down muscle and fat for fuel.
This unintended weight loss can happen relatively quickly and often goes hand in hand with increased hunger.
Early detection of diabetes or prediabetes can make a big difference in managing the condition and preventing complications. Do not ignore your body's cues — after all, they are there to guide you towards a healthier future.
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