More than 10 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, according to the CDC. About one-fourth of those who have diabetes aren't aware of it. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are responsible for most cases of diabetes in the U.S., but there are warning signs that can prevent you from developing this potentially lethal disease.
What are the warning signs? Although the symptoms may differ depending on the type of diabetes you have, all types can cause serious health issues.
Please continue reading to learn more about the different types of diabetes and the 10 warning signs of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes doesn't seem to be precipitated by obesity. Although the exact cause isn't known yet, it's thought to be a combination of heredity and environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes often follows a condition known as prediabetes and can be exacerbated by weight, heredity, and environmental factors, although not everyone with type 2 is overweight.
Usually, gestational diabetes occurs in women over the age of 25 who have a family history of type 2 diabetes and may be overweight. Usually, it will dissipate when the pregnancy is over.
When you know the warning signs of diabetes, you can seek medical attention early, which will have a better outcome. Diabetes is a serious disease, so its presence shouldn't be taken lightly.
Blurred vision:
Uncontrolled diabetes can result in blurred vision because fluid from the body accumulates in the lens and causes it to swell. When the sugar levels normalize, the swelling will dissipate, the fluid level will return to a normal level, and vision can return to normal. This process normally takes about six weeks.
Insatiable appetite:
When diabetes isn't controlled, the blood glucose can't enter the cells, so your body doesn't get the benefit of the food you eat, so it thinks it's starving. Whether you have too much or too little insulin in your system, the results are the same.
Fatigue:
Since your blood glucose can't be transformed into energy, you'll likely suffer from constant fatigue.
Frequent need to urinate:
Your kidneys play a vital role in maintaining your correct blood glucose level. When there's too much glucose, it's deposited into your urine because your kidneys can't eliminate it in the usual manner.
Frequent thirst:
In the process of eliminating the excess blood sugar, the kidneys also eliminate fluids that are in your tissues, so you'll feel thirsty all the time.
Irritability:
Mood fluctuations can be directly linked to changes in blood glucose levels. Since uncontrolled diabetes often results in erratic blood sugar levels, mood changes and irritability can be frequent.
Unexplained weight changes:
Unexplained weight loss can be symptomatic of diabetes as well as other issues. However, when the body lacks enough insulin to transform blood glucose into energy, the body can get its energy from stored fat, which will result in weight loss.
Conversely, those who take insulin may find that their body absorbs too much blood glucose, and they gain weight. Although this may prove that the insulin is working, you'll need to work with your doctor to stabilize your insulin level so that you don't continue to gain weight.
Aggressive behavior:
When blood glucose levels are erratic, it can cause severe emotional ups and downs. Anger, anxiety, depression, and disproportionate rage can be the result of uncontrolled blood sugar, and you should consult your doctor about stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
Inability to heal:
If you notice that cuts and abrasions or bruises take longer to heal than they used to, or they seem to not heal at all, then it may be caused by diabetes. High blood sugar levels can impede your circulation, so the body cannot heal as fast as it should.
Numbness or pain in your extremities:
Diabetic neuropathy results from high blood sugar levels and can damage nerves anywhere in the body, although the feet and legs are the most frequent locations. There is, at present, no cure for the damage done by diabetic neuropathy, but you can prevent it by managing your blood glucose level and keeping it within target guidelines.
Prescription medications are available for treating the pain from diabetic neuropathy, but they can't reverse the damage that has occurred. Nerve problems can develop at the onset of diabetes, or they can develop at any time. However, they'll usually appear within 10 years of being diagnosed. Many people are unaware that they have diabetes until they develop diabetic neuropathy. Regular, moderate exercise is one of the best treatments for diabetic neuropathy, although yoga and tai chi are also recommended. Vigorous aerobic exercise has also proven beneficial as long as it doesn't exacerbate pain.
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms of diabetes, it doesn't confirm that you have developed diabetes. However, it's prudent to make an appointment with your doctor to either rule out the possibility or confirm the presence of diabetes.
Left untreated, diabetes can have deadly results on the body. This is unfortunate because the disease is treatable and preventable. Although some people have a genetic predisposition to the disease, much of today's lifestyle can contribute to the onset of diabetes.
To lessen the likelihood of developing diabetes, eat a healthy diet that's comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables and eliminate fast food or convenience food that's laden with sugars, additives, preservatives, and chemicals. Exercise regularly in a physical activity that's appropriate to your age and fitness level, and make sure it's an activity that you enjoy. You won't stick to it if it's a drudge, so be sure you enjoy your exercise. Diabetes isn't a death sentence. Rather, it can be a wake-up call, no matter your age, to live more healthily, which may mean you'll also live longer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
