6 Early Signs of Diabetes to Look Out For

As of 2021, over 38 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the United States alone. About 1 in 5 people with this condition are unaware they even have it.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of cases, and it’s not just limited to those with a family history or unhealthy habits. While factors like genetics, obesity, and inactivity play significant roles, anyone can develop diabetes, including those with a seemingly healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes typically starts quietly. Early stages of diabetes or prediabetes often present subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. However, missing these signs can lead to delayed diagnosis, making it more challenging to manage the condition. 

On the other hand, recognizing these red flags can significantly improve the odds of preventing or controlling diabetes. At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our team of internists has extensive experience spotting these signs early and helping you to take control of your health.

In this blog, we guide you through six early symptoms of diabetes that you should never ignore. 

Increased thirst and frequent urination

If you’ve been feeling unusually thirsty and running to the bathroom more often than usual, don’t ignore it. It could be happening because excess sugar in your blood is pulling water from the tissues, leading to dehydration. 

Your kidneys then work overtime to filter and remove the extra sugar, increasing urine production. So, if you find yourself waking up at night for multiple bathroom trips or constantly reaching for a glass of water, it might be a sign to book an appointment with an internist. 

Unexplained fatigue

Persistent, unrelenting fatigue could be an early sign of diabetes. When your body struggles to use glucose efficiently due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin, your cells don’t get the energy they need. As a result, you may feel drained, even after a full night’s sleep.

Blurry vision

Diabetes can affect your eyesight even in its early stages. High blood sugar levels pull fluid from the lenses in your eyes, causing them to swell and making it harder to focus. This temporary blurred vision might come and go, but if you’re experiencing it along with other symptoms, it’s essential to get checked out sooner rather than later.

Slow-healing cuts and frequent infections

If minor cuts and bruises take forever to heal, this could indicate high blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels affect blood circulation and slow down the healing process. 

Additionally, high sugar levels provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, making infections more common. Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, or yeast infections can all be warning signs of diabetes. 

Unexplained weight loss

When your body can’t access glucose for energy, it breaks down fat and muscle, leading to weight loss. If you’re dropping pounds without changes to your diet or exercise routine, this could be an indication of undiagnosed diabetes.

Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet

One of the more subtle signs of diabetes is tingling or numbness in your extremities, often described as a “pins and needles” sensation. This is called peripheral neuropathy and occurs when high blood sugar begins to damage nerves. While neuropathy is more common in people with established diabetes, early symptoms can show up before a diagnosis is made.

Catching diabetes early can significantly affect how the condition is managed and your quality of life. Prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet at diabetic levels, can be reversed with lifestyle changes, for instance. 

Even for those with diabetes, early diagnosis helps prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues. Ignoring the warning signs or attributing them to stress, age, or other factors can delay treatment and make management more challenging. 

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms or want to check on your health, schedule an appointment with us today at Integrative Primary Care.