Diabetes Symptoms: 7 early signs of Diabetes visible in the body without a blood test
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Insulin, a hormone, regulates blood glucose. When there's not enough insulin or it's not used properly, glucose builds up in the blood, potentially causing damage to various organs over time. Even though the best way to check for Diabetes is through a blood test, there are some symptoms that show up in your body as well. Here are 7 of them. If you notice some of these, please get tested.
Frequent Urination
One of the most common early signs of diabetes is needing to pee more often than usual, especially during the night, even though your water intake has remained the same.
When blood sugar levels are too high, your kidneys work harder to filter and remove the excess sugar through urine. This causes you to use the washroom more often. While you might generally pee more in winters, if there is a sudden increase, it could be a warning sign.
Excessive Thirst
This one occurs in a vicious cycle. Because frequent urination causes your body to lose water, you may feel very thirsty all the time. This is your body's way of trying to replace the lost fluids. Unlike normal thirst, this excessive thirst is chronic, and you may find yourself drinking water constantly (And then flushing it out through urine)
Constant hunger
Despite eating normally or even more than usual, you may feel constantly hungry. This happens because your body's cells are not able to absorb glucose properly due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance. As a result, your cells are constantly starved for energy, and your brain signals you to eat more to compensate. (even though you don't really need it)
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired or weak even after sleeping well, is another early sign.
When glucose cannot enter your cells to provide energy, your body feels drained. This lack of energy can make everyday tasks feel exhausting,even if you have rested well, and is a common symptom in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Scaly, itchy skin
High blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration, which causes your skin to become dry and itchy. This symptom may seem minor (as dry skin is quite common), but is often overlooked. Persistent dry skin (even after applying lotions) could be a warning sign of diabetes.
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Blurred Vision
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause the lens of your eye to swell, changing its shape and affecting your ability to focus. This leads to blurred or poor vision, which can come and go depending on your blood sugar levels. If you notice sudden or frequent changes in your vision, it's important to get checked up.
Dark Patches of Skin (
Acanthosis Nigricans
)
Some people with insulin resistance develop dark, velvety patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits, groin, or other folds. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is caused by high insulin levels stimulating skin cell growth. It's a visible sign that your body might be struggling with blood sugar control.
Sources
WebMD
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The CDC
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if you experience any of these symptoms
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