Diabetology/Endocrinology

What are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

admin Jul 09, 2024

Introduction

The cost and suffering of diabetes pose a heavy burden on individual patients as well as healthcare systems throughout the world. According to estimates, 101 million people in India alone are diabetic, of which 50% account for undiagnosed or unaware of their diabetic status. The symptoms of diabetes were first identified in medical Greek literature and diabetes was named by the noted Greek physician Aretaeus. In this blog let us understand more about diabetes, symptoms and importance of early diagnosis.

Understanding Diabetes

The incapacity of the body to handle and control blood glucose levels is the hallmark of diabetes, a chronic medical illness. Insulin is a hormone that the human body produces controls and uses extra glucose. Patients with diabetes either lose or have limited use of this skill, which causes their blood glucose levels to rise steadily. Scientists could identify the actual physical symptoms and signs of diabetes 1,500 years ago. They termed diabetes as a "sweet urine" condition due to the presence of high levels of sugar in the urine of diabetic people. Modern advancements in medical sciences have helped medical authorities treat and cure diabetes symptoms sporadically.

Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 are regarded as chronic illnesses. Every type of diabetes has a unique underlying cause. However, if you have diabetes of any kind, your blood sugar levels are already raised. Excessive blood sugar levels might lead to serious health problems. Although diabetes has no cure, the condition can be reversed with symptom identification, regular consultation with healthcare provider and lifestyle modification.

Diabetes Common Signs and Symptoms

Before we delve into the lesser-known symptoms, let’s recap the more familiar signs of diabetes:

Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels cause an increase in urine production, so if you find yourself urinating more frequently than usual, especially at night, it may be an indication of diabetes.

Excessive Thirst: Intense thirst, even when you’re drinking plenty of water, can be an indicator. Elevated blood sugar causes dehydration, triggering your body’s thirst response.

Increased Hunger: Despite eating regularly, uncontrolled diabetes can leave you feeling hungry all the time. Your body has a hard time using glucose properly, so you still feel hungry even after eating.

Tired All the Time: Being unusually tired is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. When blood sugar is high, the body loses energy.

Vision Often Blurry: High blood sugar can impact the fluid levels in your eyes, causing vision changes. Blurriness or difficulty focusing may occur.

Slow Healing of Cuts and Bruises: Diabetes affects blood circulation and impairs wound healing. If you notice wounds taking longer to heal, it’s essential to pay attention.

Lesser- common signs of Diabetes:

Here are some lesser-discussed symptoms that might surprise you:

Acanthosis Nigricans, or Darkened Skin on the Neck: Keep an eye out for any dark areas on your neck, particularly in the wrinkles. Acanthosis nigricans is a disease that frequently coexists with type 2 diabetes. The skin may feel velvety or thicker. It’s essential to recognize this subtle sign.

Recurrent Infections: Diabetes weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Watch out for frequent vaginal infections, yeast infections, bladder infections, and skin infections.

Vision Changes: High blood sugar affects every part of your body, including your eyes causing blurry vision.

Sexual Dysfunction (Erectile Dysfunction): Men with type 2 diabetes may have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. Addressing diabetes can improve sexual health.

Lightheadedness: Dizziness or lightheadedness happens due to fluid imbalance such dehydration and frequent urination hence proper hydration is crucial for concentration and brain function.

Fruity Breath (Diabetic Ketoacidosis): When your body can’t use insulin for energy, it breaks down fat, leading to a fruity-smelling breath. Seek medical advice promptly if you notice this symptom.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and awareness can help manage diabetes effectively and prevent complications.

Importance of early detection and treatment

If the person neglects the symptoms of diabetes. The condition may result in a variety of problems. Common complications include heart disease, such as heart attacks or strokes, nerve damage (neuropathy). which causes tingling or pain in the extremities with a loss of sensation and kidney damage (nephropathy) leading potentially to kidney failure. If left untreated, serious eye problems (retinopathy) are another serious complication that can result in blindness. Recognizing the early symptoms reduces the risk of these complications, leading to a healthier life.