Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose (sugar). With an estimated 37.3 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes and many more living with prediabetes, it’s important to recognize the early signs. Early detection allows for better management and can help prevent the progression of diabetes-related complications.
Recognizing Early Signs of Diabetes: What You Need to Know
At Avance Care, our primary care providers are committed to helping you understand your health and take action if you’re at risk of diabetes. Let’s explore the early signs of diabetes and what you should do if you suspect you may have it.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
- Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Diabetes
The signs of diabetes can develop gradually, especially in type 2 diabetes. Many people may not even realize they have it until their blood sugar levels are dangerously high. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and recognize the early symptoms.
Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
1. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)
One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of diabetes is excessive thirst. High blood sugar levels cause your body to pull fluid from your tissues, leading to dehydration. You may find yourself drinking more water than usual and still feeling thirsty.
What to watch for: Drinking large amounts of water without relief from thirst. You might also experience dry mouth, even after drinking fluids.
2. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
Along with increased thirst, frequent urination is another hallmark sign of diabetes. As your body tries to flush out excess sugar through the urine, you may find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual.
What to watch for: Going to the bathroom multiple times throughout the day and night (nocturia) and noticing large volumes of urine.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
For some individuals, rapid and unexplained weight loss can be an early warning sign of diabetes. When your body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, it begins breaking down fat and muscle instead.
What to watch for: A sudden drop in weight without changes to diet or exercise. This is more common in type 1 diabetes but can also occur in type 2 diabetes.
4. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
Even though your body is not able to properly use glucose for energy, it can signal that it needs more fuel, leading to increased hunger. This hunger may persist even after eating large meals.
What to watch for: Feeling constantly hungry or never feeling full, despite eating regularly.
5. Fatigue
Feeling tired or fatigued is a common symptom of many conditions, but when related to diabetes, it’s due to your body’s inability to use glucose efficiently. When your cells don’t get the energy they need, you may feel persistently tired.
What to watch for: Chronic fatigue or weakness, even after a good night’s sleep. You might also notice difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally sluggish.
6. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more serious eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss.
What to watch for: Difficulty focusing, blurry vision, or changes in your eyesight. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen.
7. Slow Healing of Wounds
High blood sugar levels can impair circulation and weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to heal wounds. Cuts, scrapes, or sores may take longer to heal and could become infected more easily.
What to watch for: Wounds that are slow to heal, frequent infections, or sores that seem to linger.
8. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is a common complication of long-term high blood sugar levels. Early signs of nerve damage can include tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your hands, feet, or legs.
What to watch for: Persistent tingling, burning, or numbness in your extremities. This symptom often worsens over time if diabetes remains untreated.
9. Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
In some cases, individuals with insulin resistance—a precursor to type 2 diabetes—may develop dark, velvety patches of skin. These patches typically appear in areas where skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or elbows.
What to watch for: Dark patches of skin that feel thicker or more textured than the surrounding skin.
Risk Factors for Developing Diabetes
If you’re experiencing any of the early signs of diabetes, it’s important to assess your risk factors. Some common risk factors include:
Family history of diabetes: If a close relative has diabetes, your risk is higher.
Being overweight or obese: Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity can contribute to insulin resistance.
High blood pressure or cholesterol: These conditions often go hand-in-hand with diabetes.
Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases after age 45.
Gestational diabetes history: If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you’re at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
What to Do if You Notice Early Signs of Diabetes
If you’re experiencing any of the early symptoms of diabetes or have multiple risk factors, it’s essential to take action. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious complications.
Schedule a Checkup: At Avance Care, our primary care providers can perform a simple blood test to check your blood sugar levels. Tests like fasting blood glucose or HbA1c can determine whether you have diabetes or prediabetes.
Make Lifestyle Changes: If you’re at risk for diabetes, adopting a healthier lifestyle can help lower your risk. Focus on eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Work with a Healthcare Provider: Managing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach. Our primary care team will work with you to create a personalized care plan, which may include medications, dietary changes, and ongoing monitoring.
Take Control of Your Health
Recognizing the early signs of diabetes is crucial for preventing complications and improving your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or have risk factors for diabetes, Avance Care is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations to discuss your symptoms, get tested, and take proactive steps toward better health.
