It’s a well-known fact that we become more susceptible to more conditions as we age. After all, our immune system wears down with age, so taking care of our health is necessary. However, some conditions don’t discriminate and can affect anyone at any age. A perfect example of this is diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition where the body is either unable to produce insulin or unable to use it properly. This causes raised blood sugar levels, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, while type 2 diabetes is generally diagnosed in adults. It’s a severe condition and needs to be treated properly, so one must know the signs of diabetes to know what to do next. These include:
#1 – Increased Thirst and Urination
If you have diabetes, your body cannot properly process and use sugar. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased thirst and urination. When your body tries to get rid of the excess sugar through the urine, it also gets rid of fluids, leading to dehydration. If you’re constantly thirsty or urinating more often than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes.
Furthermore, your increased thirst and urination can also be caused by other complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) or kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy).
#2 – Blurred Vision
Diabetes can cause several problems with your vision. Blurred vision is a common symptom, making it difficult to read or see. Diabetes can also cause more severe problems like diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. See your doctor regularly and check your eyes so any issues can be detected and treated early.
#3 – Weight Loss
While weight loss is generally regarded as a good thing, its context with diabetes can be complicated. For some people with diabetes, losing weight can improve blood sugar control. However, for others, weight loss may worsen blood sugar control. Therefore, you must speak with a healthcare provider before changing your diet or exercise routine to lose weight.
Furthermore, weight loss can lead to changes in insulin requirements, so you must monitor your blood sugar closely when making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
#4 – Tingling of Hands and Feet
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet is a common symptom of diabetes. It occurs when there is a problem with blood flow to the extremities. Poor circulation can cause nerve damage and lead to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Diabetes can also cause other problems with the nerves, such as pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
#5 – Fatigue
Fatigue is a sign of diabetes because high blood sugar levels can cause it. When blood sugar levels are high, the body has to work harder to process it, leading to fatigue. Fatigue can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, leading to a vicious cycle.
#6 – Swollen and Tender Gums
If you have diabetes, your body may have difficulty fighting off infections. This leads to problems in your gums and the bones that support your teeth. For example, your gums may pull away from your teeth, your teeth may become loose, or you may develop sores or pockets of pus in your gums. These problems are more likely to occur if you have a gum infection before you develop diabetes.
#7 – Frequent Infections
When your blood sugar is too high, it can damage your body in many ways. One of the ways it can do this is by making you more susceptible to infection. This is because high blood sugar can damage your white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection.
On a related note, slow-healing sores can also occur, leading to severe infections. Therefore, if you find yourself getting frequent infections, or if your cuts and scrapes take longer to heal, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is too high.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can have many different impacts on a person’s life. It is essential to be aware of the risks and possible complications associated with diabetes so that you can take steps to prevent or manage them. With proper care and treatment, many people with diabetes live long and healthy lives.
Garden State Medical Group can help you if you’re looking for general doctors! We understand the urgent needs of our patients, so our healthcare professionals will ensure that you get the best amount of care you deserve. Reach out today for a consultation!
