What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes and How to Identify Them?

Diabetes is a common condition that affects many people, irrespective of their age and gender. It occurs when blood sugar levels are excessive. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes is important so that it can be identified early and managed properly. If diabetes is not managed, major health issues may arise. Getting advice from a diabetes doctor is necessary at this time. Here is a simple guide to understanding the symptoms of diabetes and how to recognize them.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes symptoms can develop gradually, so it is important to pay attention to any changes in the body. When there are symptoms, it is necessary to check with the best doctor for diabetes.

1. Frequent Urination

One of the first signs of diabetes is the need to urinate often. This happens because the kidneys are working hard to remove excess sugar from the blood. As a result, one may feel the urge to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night.

2. Increased Thirst

Feeling thirsty all the time, even after drinking a lot of water, can be a sign of diabetes. The body becomes dehydrated because it loses a lot of fluids through frequent urination. This leads to a constant feeling of thirst.

3. Extreme Hunger

Experiencing constant hunger is another typical symptom of diabetes. This is because the body is not using sugar properly for energy. Despite eating regularly, one may still feel hungry because the sugar is staying in the blood instead of entering the cells.

4. Fatigue

Feeling tired and lacking energy can also be a symptom of diabetes. When the body cannot use sugar for energy, it affects how a person feels. This constant feeling of tiredness can make it hard to do everyday tasks.

5. Blurred Vision

High levels of sugar in the blood can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes. This may cause blurry vision and impair one’s ability to see properly. The eyes may even sustain irreversible damage if the sugar levels are allowed to stay high.

6. Slow-Healing Sores and Frequent Infections

When someone has diabetes, their body’s ability to heal wounds can be slower. Cuts, sores, or bruises may take longer to heal. In addition, infections may occur more often because high blood sugar can weaken the immune system.

7. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying is a common sign of diabetes, especially in type 1 diabetes. This happens because the body starts using muscle and fat for energy since it cannot use sugar properly. Unexplained weight loss is a serious sign and should be checked by a doctor.

8. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

High blood sugar can lead to neuropathy, a condition where nerves are damaged. This can cause a tingling or numb feeling in the hands and feet. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, as nerve damage can lead to serious problems if not treated.

How to Identify Diabetes

For an accurate diagnosis, it is a must to visit a diabetologist doctor if these symptoms exist. Here are some common tests that doctors use to check for diabetes:

1. Blood Sugar Test

A simple blood test can measure the amount of sugar in the blood. This test is usually done after fasting overnight, and it can show if the blood sugar levels are higher than normal.

2. A1C Test

A1C test results indicate the average blood sugar level over the preceding two to three months. This test gives a better picture of how well the blood sugar is being managed over time. Diabetes may be indicated by an A1C reading of 6.5% or above.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This test checks how the body processes sugar. After fasting overnight, a sugary drink is given, and the blood sugar levels are tested over a few hours. Diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes can be facilitated by this test.

Importance of Early Detection

Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes early can prevent serious complications. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye issues if not managed properly. Regular check-ups and monitoring blood sugar levels can help manage diabetes effectively.

Conclusion

Knowing the symptoms of diabetes and how to identify them is important for taking care of one’s health. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek medical advice from the best doctor for diabetes. Early detection and proper management can lead to a healthier and more active life.

For those looking for expert care, Dr. Durai’s Diabetes and Foot Care Clinic offers specialized services to help manage diabetes and its related complications. Making an appointment at Dr. Durai’s Clinic can be the first step towards better health and well-being.