13 Early Signs Of Diabetes That Most People Ignores

Diabetes has plenty of early signs, but they're subtle enough that you might not notice.

It's not like you wake up one day and all of a sudden you're thirsty, hungry, and going to the bathroom all the time.

"It picks up gradually. In fact, most people are unaware that they have diabetes in its early or even middle phases," says Aaron Cypess, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and staff physician at Joslin Diabetes Center.

As diabetes is a serious condition that can cause dangerous complications – including cardiovascular and neurological damage – it is important to detect it as soon as possible.

1. Frequent urination (polyuria):
The kidneys start working harder to get rid of the excess glucose from the blood.

2. Excessive thirst (polydipsia):
As you lose more fluids, the body will try to replenish them, hence the constant need to drink.

3. Increased hunger (polyphagia):
Due to extreme highs and lows in blood sugar levels, the body develops a sudden urge to eat. The cells don’t get enough glucose, so you crave it.

4. Dry mouth:
You experience a lack of moisture in the mouth, which can be both unpleasant and dangerous. Gum diseases are a known complication of diabetes.

5. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain:
As insulin can’t get glucose into the cells, the body reacts as if it would be starving and starts using proteins from the muscles.

6. Fatigue:
Excessive tiredness can develop when body constantly compensates for the lack of glucose in the ccels.

7. Vision problems:
High blood sugar changes the shape of the lens and eyes. As a result, your vision becomes blurry.

8. Headaches :
A headache can develop due to elevated blood sugar levels and is considered an early sign of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).

9. Infections, cuts and bruises that do not heal:
This classic sign of diabetes is a consequence of blood vessel damage.

10. Yeast infections:
Since bacteria and fungi thrive in a sugary environment, infections can become more common.

11. Numbness and tingling in hands and feet:
This symptom is a result of nerve damage – neuropathy – that is connected with diabetes.

12. Skin changes:
Velvety dark skin, known as achantosis nigricans, can appear on the neck, groin and armpit.

13. Sexual dysfunction:
Diabetes also damages blood vessels and nerves in the sex organs, which can lead to different sexual problems.

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, see your doctor so you can have a blood test and establish if you are indeed suffering from type 2 diabetes.

With the right diet, exercise regimen and, if necessary, medications, diabetes can be kept under control, and the person can continue to live a fulfilling life.