More than 30 million Americans (approx. 10 % of the population) have diabetes, which includes 7.3 million that are undiagnosed. Additionally, 1.5 million Americans are newly diagnosed each year. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approx. 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases.
Frequent Urination
Most people might urinate four to seven times a day. In case, you are making more trips to the bathroom, especially while waking multiple times at night to go. It might be a sign that one kidney is working overtime to flush out excess sugar in the blood.
Keep in mind that the consumption of water, especially in the evening, is why you are urinating so often. In case you are urinating more than one to two times overnight, try not to drink post-7 p.m. and not have caffeinated beverages post-5 p.m. in case, you are still getting up multiple times to go the bathroom at night, that might be a sign that something else is going on.
Excessive Thirst
If you are drinking more than 4 liters (approx. a gallon) per day and water is not quenching the thirst, this all might be due to some of the reasons for high blood sugar.
Extreme Hunger
When blood sugar is not properly regulated it shall all sends conflicting messages to the brain about the need for food.
Weakness/Fatigue
When sugar cannot get into the cells for energizing them, the kidney might have to work overtime for removing some of the extra sugar. This can further leave feeling weak and also fatigued.
Pins And Needles
Extra sugar in the blood can further damage nerve endings, which shall especially those nerves that are located farthest from the spinal cord like on the feet.
Blurry Vision
Sugar lingering in the blood can lead to swelling in the lens in the eye making which is well difficult to focus the eyes. When the sugar is high, the vision blurs, but when the sugar drops down again, it might all clear well.
Itchy Skin
Poor circulation paired with the loss of fluids (which is from frequent urination) can lead to the skin drying out. Dry skin leads to itchy skin.
Slow Healing Wounds and Enhancing Skin Infections
Lingering sugar in the blood wreaks might havoc on veins and arteries and might be about disrupting circulation. Without a proper amount of blood flow, it might take longer for cuts and bruises to further heal, and you are more prone to skin infections.
Volatile Moods
Riding the roller coaster of unstable blood sugar might further lead to a short temper. High blood sugar might also mimic some of the symptoms of depression like low energy drive and wanting to stay in the bed well.
Urinary Tract Infections And Yeast Infections
High sugar levels while urinating are a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast near the genitalia. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) might all come with a burning sensation during urination and cloudy, dark, or off-smelling urine. Yeast infections might all come with itching, burning, and discharge. People with conditions like diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from these types of infections.
Modify The Diet Before Calling The Doctor
If you are having some of these subtle symptoms, try a low-carb diet of protein and green leafy vegetables. Avoid the consumption of sugary drinks and drink at least 2 liters of water for a few days to see in case these symptoms might get better.
Subtle symptoms might be an outcome of eating too many carbs that can be hard for the body to handle. These symptoms might not necessarily mean you might have diabetes, but it is a wake-up call that maybe you are well-headed that way.
In case, you have any symptoms that are frightening like sudden numbness, weakness, or chest pains, in such cases, call the doctor as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms Of Diabetes?
If you are experiencing any of the diabetes symptoms that are listed above, inform the healthcare provider. They shall likely use one or more of the following tests to screen you for the condition of diabetes:
- A1C test: This test measures the average blood glucose levels over two or three months
- Oral glucose tolerance test: With this diabetes test, the blood glucose is well measured both before and two hours after you might drink a glucose-containing liquid. The objective is to see how the body might respond to the glucose
- Fasting plasma glucose test: For this particular blood test, one must refrain from eating for at least 8 hours. Another version of this test shall be about the random plasma glucose test that can be given at any time of day without the need for fasting
If the test results might show having diabetes, the doctor will work for creating a comprehensive diabetes management plan. With the right treatment, it is possible for leading a healthy, active, and enjoyable life with conditions like diabetes.