5 symptoms that signal Prediabetes (without a blood test)
While Prediabetes is confirmed with a blood test, your body also gives you some signs that your blood sugar is high, and that you need to get checked out. Here are 5 such signs... (they are, however, not exclusive to the condition)
Excessive thirst and urination
One of the early signs of high blood sugar is increased thirst. When your blood sugar is too high, your kidneys work harder to remove the extra sugar by making more urine. This causes you to urinate more often, which can lead to dehydration.
This forms a vicious cycle, as because of dehydration, you may feel very thirsty all the time, even if you are drinking water regularly. If you notice that you are constantly thirsty and visiting the bathroom more frequently, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is rising.
Chronic fatigue
If you feel tired even after getting enough sleep, it might be a warning sign. High blood sugar can affect how your body uses glucose (sugar) for energy.
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When your cells don't get enough glucose, you may feel weak and tired.
This fatigue is different from normal tiredness because it does not go away easily (not even after rest) You may find it hard to concentrate or stay alert during the day. If you experience constant fatigue, that also includes day time sleepiness, it is time to get checked out.
Dark patches of skin
Sometimes, prediabetes shows up on your skin. Dark, thick, and velvety patches of skin can appear in certain areas like the back of your neck, under your arms, or around your groin.
This condition is called acanthosis nigricans.
These dark patches happen because of high insulin levels in your blood, which is common in prediabetes. If you notice these changes in your skin, especially if they develop suddenly or get worse, it's a sign that your body may be struggling to control blood sugar.
Slow healing wounds
High blood sugar can affect your body's ability to heal wounds properly. If you notice that even small cuts or bruises take a long time to heal, it could be a sign of prediabetes.
When blood sugar is high, your immune system doesn't work properly, and blood flow to the skin may be reduced. This slows down the healing process and increases the risk of infections. If you find yourself dealing with wounds that won't heal quickly, it's important to get checked.
Increased hunger
People with prediabetes often feel hungry more frequently, even after meals. This happens because your body's cells are not getting enough glucose for energy, so your brain signals you to eat more, even though you are technically not hungry.
This increased hunger can lead to overeating and weight gain, which makes blood sugar control even harder. If you notice that you are always hungry or craving food, especially sugary and starchy foods, it might be your body's way of telling you something is wrong.
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