7 Warning Signs for Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose that can cause serious damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels over time. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to, or doesn’t make enough insulin. The According to the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and it accounts for 1.5 million deaths yearly.
Catching diabetes at its earliest can help individuals avoid long-term body damage and improve their overall health. This means recognizing signs of diabetes and its precursor, prediabetes. The following are seven potential warning signs.
- Frequent urination: This is one of the key indicators of diabetes. When diabetes is present, the kidneys work harder to rid the body of excess sugar, producing more urine.
- Dry mouth and excessive thirst: This goes in conjunction with frequent urination, as the body is trying to increase fluid to alleviate excess sugar.
- Dry skin: Dry skin, especially around the feet, can be a symptom of diabetes.
- Slow-healing wounds: A higher blood sugar level can interfere with the body’s ability to heal wounds.
- Blurry vision: Some people notice vision changes that do not seem to be tied to an eye illness or another condition. This may be a result of diabetes.
- Weight loss: Sudden weight loss without trying to lose weight is often an indication that something isn’t quite right. Diabetes could be the culprit.
- Yeast infections and UTIs: Women may experience more frequent vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections if they have diabetes.
If a person is experiencing any of these conditions, he or she should schedule an appointment with a health care provider to determine if diabetes is to blame.
