How do you know if you have been diagnosed with diabetes? Blood sugar levels higher than usual (glucose) causes a majority of symptoms in the early stages of diabetes.
You may miss the warning signs because they are subtle. Concerning diabetes, this is particularly valid for people with type 2. Long-term harm produced by the disease may not be apparent until later in life for some people.
SYMPTOMS
Here are some early symptoms that can help you identify the onset of diabetes and assist you in regaining control of your blood sugar before it’s too late.
You Are Constantly Thirsty
Since your kidneys are producing more urination, it makes perfect sense that your body is dehydrated. Additionally, if you are dehydrated, you may have a constant thirst. Furthermore, you may have an extremely dry mouth.
You’re Constantly Hungry
When you have diabetes, your body does not utilize the energy contained in the meals you eat properly. While glucose is available in the blood, your cells are unable to absorb it and begin to suffer from energy deficiency. In response, the cells communicate with the pancreas, informing it that they require additional energy. The pancreas then increases the amount of insulin in the bloodstream, signaling the brain that it is time to eat.
Peeing more often
Having your kidneys filter out extra sugar is something your body does when your blood glucose level is too high to maintain equilibrium. Urination becomes more often as a result of the kidneys excreting glucose from your body in urine UTIs and the need to urinate more frequently at night are two more possible side effects.
Your skin becomes dry
Another diabetic warning symptom to look out for is dry, itchy skin. If you have diabetes, which is characterized by high blood sugar and poor circulation, your skin may be itchy and more prone to infection.
You get dark blotches on your skin.
Aside from having dry skin, you may also develop dark spots on your body, particularly in the areas where your skin folds in on itself while you sleep. These discolorations, also known as acanthosis nigricans, usually appear on the neck, armpits, and groin. The skin may feel silky or get thicker.
You have Lost Weight Unexpectedly.
If you find yourself suddenly underweight, consult your doctor. Diabetes may be to blame. Excess urine causes fluid loss, which, along with a lack of cellular energy, can cause weight loss. This occurs more frequently in those with poorly controlled diabetes.
Hands and feet become itchy or painful.
Diabetes harms circulation and can permanently harm nerves. There is a condition that causes numbness or tingling in the hands and feet called neuropathy. It may be painful or have a tingling sensation.
Your Body Recovers Slowly
When you have diabetes, your healing time becomes slow because of less cellular energy and poor circulation. Tiny cuts and nicks can take weeks or months to heal, increasing your chance of getting an infection on your skin.
Your eyesight is a blur.
Eye damage from high blood sugar can cause hazy vision because it damages the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. Most diabetics can regain their vision with better blood sugar control. However, the disease can result in irreversible blindness if not handled.
Yeast Infections Occur Frequently.
The body naturally contains modest amounts of yeast, but diabetes patients’ high blood sugar levels give plenty of food for the organism, which frequently leads to yeast infections. Thrush can develop in the vaginal area, armpits, or mouth known as a yeast infection.
Diabetes type 1 symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are common in people with type 1 diabetes. Previous several weeks or months after diagnosis, type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear and become rather severe. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, but it can strike anyone at any time in life.
Diabetes Type 2 Symptoms
Many years may pass before a person develops signs of type 2 diabetes. It’s possible that some people won’t even be aware of the symptoms. In most cases, type 2 diabetes strikes adults over the age of 40, although it can also strike adolescents and teenagers. It’s difficult to notice the early symptoms of type 2 diabetes, so recognizing the risk factors is crucial. Any of these symptoms should prompt a trip to the doctor.
Gestational Diabetes Signs and Symptoms
No symptoms are often present in women with gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy). Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor should check for gestational diabetes in you. You have the option to make modifications to safeguard your health and the health of your baby if necessary.
Early diagnosis is critical
The earlier a person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the better the outcome will be. Getting the right therapy, changing your lifestyle, and keeping your blood sugar under control can help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life while reducing your risk of problems.
Without treatment, consistently elevated blood sugar levels can result in severe and possibly fatal consequences, including the following:
- a heart disease
- stroke
- damage to the nerves
- a problem with your feet
- kidney illness, which may necessitate dialysis for some people
- illness of the eyes or blindness
- sex issues affecting both genders
A substantial and persistent increase in blood sugar levels can result from untreated diabetes, which is known as a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). Normal HHNS is caused by disease or infection, and it may necessitate inpatient treatment. Most often, this abrupt issue affects the elderly. Some of these issues can be avoided by controlling blood sugar levels. Long-term uncontrolled blood sugar increases the chance of developing various health issues.
TREATMENT
There are various treatment options for diabetes. Regardless of the type of diabetes you have, you must maintain a healthy diet, get enough exercise and keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetes necessitates lifelong administration of insulin. Your body does not manufacture insulin, and as a result, you do not have diabetes.
If you have type 2 diabetes, lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise may help you keep your condition under control. To keep your blood sugar levels under control, you may need to use oral or injectable drugs such as insulin or metformin.
If you have diabetes, you must closely monitor your diet to avoid having too high a blood sugar level. That emphasizes keeping an eye on carbohydrate intake and avoiding highly processed low-fiber foods.
If you have trouble controlling your blood sugar, you will work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that will help.
Precautions and Care
Diabetes is a life-threatening disease. Adhering to your diabetes treatment plan requires 24-hour dedication. Precaution and proper management care can significantly minimize your chance of major — even life-threatening — complications.
- Commit to diabetes management. Acquire as much knowledge as possible on diabetes. Develop a relationship with a diabetes educator and seek assistance from your diabetes care team as necessary.
- Make good dietary choices and strive to maintain a healthy weight.If you are overweight and have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, decreasing just 5% of your body weight will significantly improve your blood sugar control. A healthy diet is abundant in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and legumes that are low in saturated fat.
Make physical activity a daily habit. In individuals who already have diabetes, regular exercise can help control their blood sugar levels and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week — such as brisk walking — is recommended. It is suggested that you work out for a minimum of 2 hours a week at a moderate to high intensity.
Additionally, it is wise to spend less time sitting stationary. When you’re awake, try to get up and move around for a few minutes every 30 minutes or so.
Precautions and Care for Diabetes type 1 and type 2
Additionally, if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the following applies:
- Self-identify. Wear a bracelet or tag that indicates you have diabetes. Keep a glucagon kit on hand in case of a low blood sugar emergency — and ensure that your friends and family members are familiar with its use.
- Schedule a yearly physical examination and routine eye examinations. Diabetes screenings are not meant to replace regular physicals or eye exams, which should always be part of your usual health care. Your doctor will look for diabetes-related complications and screen for other medical conditions during the physical. Your eye care professional will examine your eyes for signs of retinal degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Maintain current vaccinations. Blood sugar levels that are too high can impair your immune system. Each year, get a flu shot, and your doctor may also recommend the pneumonia vaccine.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level. Consuming nutritious foods and regular exercise can help control high blood pressure and cholesterol. Furthermore, you may need to take medicines. You can get the right prescription from your doctor and get it via online diabetes medication delivery.
- If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, consult your physician for assistance in quitting. Cigarette smoking raises your risk of developing a variety of diabetes problems. Consult your doctor about ways to quit smoking or using other forms of tobacco.
- Consider the severity of your stress. The hormones produced by your body in reaction to prolonged stress may interfere with insulin’s function, raising your blood sugar and adding to your stress. Establish personal boundaries and prioritize your tasks. Acquaint yourself with relaxing techniques.
