Warning
Signs of Diabetes and Risk Factors To Know
Excessive thirst and frequent urination are classic diabetes
symptoms. High blood sugar leads to excess sugar in urine, causing dehydration
and thirst. Needing to urinate often, especially at night, is common.
2. Fatigue
Feeling very tired and weak is a common early sign of diabetes.
Cells are unable to access sugar for energy properly. Fatigue may come on
gradually or suddenly.
3. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar causes fluid to be pulled from tissues like the
eyes, leading to swelling, changes in lens shape and blurred vision. It can
also lead to cataracts and glaucoma.
4. Slow Healing
Poor circulation and high blood sugar hamper the body's ability
to heal. Cuts and scrapes are slow to heal and more prone to infection. Bruises
may appear spontaneously.
5. Risk Factors
Certain traits and conditions that increase diabetes risk
include:
·
Obesity -
Excess weight reduces insulin sensitivity.
·
Family history -
Having a parent or sibling with diabetes increases risk.
·
Ethnic background -
African American, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander people have
higher risk.
·
Age -
Risk increases after age 45.
·
Gestational diabetes -
Women who developed diabetes during pregnancy have greater risk.
·
Hypertension -
High blood pressure often accompanies diabetes.
·
Sedentary lifestyle -
Lack of exercise increases risk.
Conclusion
Increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurry
vision and slow healing are telltale signs of diabetes. Having risk factors
like obesity and family history also raise chances of developing diabetes. See
a doctor promptly if you notice these symptoms.
Frequently Asked
Questions
1.
How do you feel when your
blood sugar is too high?
Symptoms include increased thirst, dry mouth, frequent
urination, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, tingling hands and feet,
infections, and fruity breath odor.
2.
Can you have diabetes
with normal blood sugar?
It's possible in prediabetes. Blood sugar may be normal while
fasting but high after meals, indicating insulin resistance. HbA1C levels
beginning to creep up can also detect diabetes risk before diagnosis.
3.
What is the most common
age for diabetes onset?
Type 1 diabetes often appears in childhood. But Type 2 diabetes
more commonly develops in middle adulthood, though it is being seen at younger
ages due to increasing childhood obesity.
4.
Can Type 2 diabetes be
reversed?
Early intervention with major lifestyle changes around diet,
exercise and weight can essentially reverse diabetes in some cases, especially
for prediabetes. But there is no cure once serious damage occurs.
