Diabetes is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and the numbers are increasing every year.
It happens when your body can’t use sugar, or glucose, properly, leading to high levels of sugar in your blood.
Over time, this can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. The good news is that knowing the warning signs and understanding your risks can help you take action early.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for about 90–95% of all diabetes cases. It often develops slowly, making it easy to miss in the early stages.
In fact, many people with diabetes don’t realize they have it until they experience complications. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs and understand the risk factors.
One of the earliest warning signs of diabetes is frequent urination. This happens because high blood sugar levels make your kidneys work harder to remove the excess sugar from your blood.
Along with this, you may feel unusually thirsty all the time, a condition known as polydipsia. If you’re drinking more water than usual but still feel thirsty, it could be a sign to get checked.
Fatigue is another common symptom. High blood sugar levels can affect your body’s ability to use glucose for energy, leaving you feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep. Unexplained weight loss can also occur, especially in Type 1 diabetes, as your body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy when it can’t use glucose properly.
Blurred vision is a lesser-known but important warning sign. High blood sugar can cause swelling in the lens of your eye, affecting your ability to focus. While this may improve as your blood sugar levels stabilize, ignoring it could lead to more serious eye problems down the road.
If you notice slow-healing sores or frequent infections, it could also be a red flag. High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections or heal wounds. Some people experience tingling or numbness in their hands and feet, which is caused by nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing diabetes. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risks, as excess fat can make your body resistant to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Family history also plays a role—if your parents or siblings have diabetes, your risk is higher. Age is another factor; the risk of Type 2 diabetes increases after age 45, although it’s becoming more common in younger people due to rising obesity rates.
Lifestyle habits like a poor diet and lack of exercise also contribute. Research shows that eating a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can increase your risk. On the other hand, regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain a healthy weight, reducing your chances of developing diabetes.
The good news is that diabetes can often be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes. Studies show that losing just 5–10% of your body weight can significantly lower your risk.
Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep your blood sugar stable. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, is also key.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs or have risk factors for diabetes, don’t ignore them. A simple blood test can check your sugar levels and provide a clear picture of your health.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help you live a full, healthy life. Taking action today could make all the difference.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that flaxseed oil is more beneficial than fish oil to people with diabetes, and green tea could help reduce death risk in diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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