Top 5 warning signs of diabetes

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 13, 2023

Diabetes warning signs should be taken seriously as soon as you notice them. Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to future life-threatening health problems if left untreated

The good news is that it can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Here are the top 5 warning signs that you may have diabetes.

Indicators and Warning Signs of Diabetes

Consult your doctor to have your blood sugar checked if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms of diabetes:

Have frequent urination, often at night, and are extremely thirsty.
Feel extremely exhausted, have very dry skin, have sores that heal slowly, or have more infections than usual.
People with type 1 diabetes may also experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes can become severe in as little as a few weeks or months. The onset of type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it typically begins in children, teenagers, or young adults.
A family history of diabetes is an indicator it may be passed on to family. It can take years for type 2 diabetes symptoms to appear. Some people seldom ever experience any symptoms. Although type 2 diabetes increasingly affects children and teenagers, it typically develops in adults. Knowing the risk factors for type 2 diabetes is crucial because the symptoms are subtle.
Pregnancy-related diabetes, or gestational diabetes, typically has no symptoms. Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor should check you for gestational diabetes if you’re expecting. Your doctor will help you adjust your diet or prescribe medicine as necessary to safeguard both your health and that of your child. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Diabetes Prevention Tips

The most prevalent form of diabetes, type 2, can be halted with lifestyle adjustments.

If you already have type 2 diabetes due to being overweight or obese, having high cholesterol, or having a family history of the disease, prevention is crucial:

Reduce excess weight: Obesity lowers the risk of developing diabetes. People in one significant trial who lost roughly 7% of their body weight by dietary and exercise improvements saw a nearly 60% reduction in their chance of acquiring diabetes.
Be more active physically: Regular exercise has a variety of advantages. Exercise benefits include reduced weight, reduction in your sugar levels, and increasing your sensitivity to insulin, which will help you maintain a normal range for your blood sugar.
Eat wholesome plant-based foods: Plants supply your food with vitamins, minerals, and carbs. Sugars, starches, and fiber are all types of carbohydrates. These are the sources of energy for your body. Roughage and bulk are other terms for dietary fiber, which is the portion of plant foods that your body cannot digest or absorb. Fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and legumes are all high in fiber, which helps people lose weight and reduces their chance of developing diabetes.
Consume good fats: Since fatty meals are heavy in calories, they should only be consumed occasionally. Your diet should contain a range of foods with unsaturated fats, also referred to as “good fats,” to aid in weight loss and management. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both unsaturated fats, support normal blood cholesterol levels and heart and vascular health.
Avoid fad diets and opt for healthier options: Numerous fad diets, including paleo, keto, and glycemic index, may aid in weight loss. However, there is little information regarding the long-term advantages of these diets or their use in preventing diabetes. Your eating objective should be to reduce weight and maintain a healthier weight. (Mayo Clinic)

Warning Signs of Diabetes: Diabetic Ketoacidosis Emergency

When you don’t have enough insulin, your liver must quickly break down fat into ketones for energy, which the body can’t process, resulting in diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA.

An accumulation of ketones can poison you by altering your blood chemistry.

You might lose consciousness.

Encourage anyone who exhibits early symptoms to use a ketone test kit to check their urine.

Calling their doctor is advised if their ketones are high.

Take them immediately to the emergency room if they exhibit serious symptoms. (WebMD)

When it comes to diabetes, prevention is always better than treatment.

Eating healthier, exercising regularly, and reducing weight can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Check with your doctor if you are in one of the risk groups or have any of the symptoms mentioned above for a proper diagnosis and treatment advice.

Know how to identify when symptoms escalate to an emergency and get help quickly to avoid complications.

References

“Diabetes Symptoms.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Apr. 2021, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html.

“Diabetes Prevention: 5 Tips for Taking Control.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 June 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-prevention/art-20047639.

“Diabetic Emergencies: What to Do When Someone Is in a Diabetes Crisis.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-emergencies-what-to-do.