As an internal medicine practice, diabetes is a condition that we treat quite often. Whether you've heard about it from friends, family or your doctor, understanding the signs and symptoms of diabetes is important for early detection and management. At our practice, we believe that knowledge is power, so let's break down what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When this regulation is disrupted, it can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious health problems over time.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in children or young adults.
Type 2 diabetes: This type develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. It's more common in adults but is increasingly seen in younger people due to lifestyle factors.
Gestational diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after childbirth, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Diabetes signs and symptoms
Identifying diabetes early can make a big difference in managing the condition and preventing complications. These are the common signs and symptoms to watch out for:
Frequent urination
If you find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, especially during the night, this could be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause your kidneys to work overtime to filter and absorb the excess glucose. When they can't keep up, the excess glucose is excreted through urine, which leads to frequent bathroom trips.
Increased thirst
With frequent urination comes increased thirst. You may find yourself feeling dehydrated despite drinking more fluids than usual. This happens because your body is losing a lot of water through urine, prompting your brain to signal thirst to help your body replenish fluids.
Unexplained weight loss
If you're losing weight without trying, this could be a red flag for type 1 diabetes. When your body doesn't have enough insulin to move glucose into your cells, it starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired can be another symptom of diabetes. When your cells don’t get enough glucose, they can’t produce energy effectively, making you feel exhausted.
Blurred vision
High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of your eyes to swell, which affects your ability to see clearly. This blurred vision can be temporary, but it’s important to address this as it could indicate high blood sugar levels.
Frequent infections
Diabetes can impair your body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections. High blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and slowing down the healing process.
Tingling or numbness
People with diabetes may experience tingling or numbness in their hands or feet, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This is caused by nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Dark skin patches
Some people with diabetes develop dark patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits or groin. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans and is often a sign of insulin resistance.
Diabetes risk factors
Understanding the risk factors for diabetes can also help in identifying your potential risk. Some common risk factors include:
Family history: having a close relative with diabetes increases your risk.
Age: Being over 45 increases your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Weight: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor.
Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle with poor diet can contribute to type 2 diabetes.
Ethnicity: Certain groups, including Hispanic, Asian and African American people, have higher risks of diabetes.
Treating diabetes
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to take action—don't wait for the symptoms to worsen. Here are the first steps you should take:
Consult a healthcare provider. Schedule an appointment with our office to discuss your symptoms. Our internal medicine team can perform tests to determine if you have diabetes or if we need to investigate further.
Get tested. Common tests for diabetes include fasting blood sugar tets, HbA1c tests and oral glucose tolerance tests. Our doctor will recommend the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and risk factors.
Monitor and manage. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, our team will develop a management plan for you. This may include lifestyle changes, medication and regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
We're here for you.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of diabetes is an essential step in maintaining your health. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your risk for diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out to our office. Early detection and proactive management can make a significant difference in your diabetes journey.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our internal medicine doctor is here to support you with resources, guidance and personalized care to help you manage diabetes effectively. Stay informed, stay healthy and reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Your health is our priority!
About Odessa Medical Enterprises
We are the office of Dr. Khavar Dar, MD and Janette Ornelas, FNP-C, providing pulmonary, critical care and primary care to patients in Odessa, TX. At Odessa Medical Enterprises, we believe that compassion is crucial for effective treatment. Together, we consider it our mission to serve our community and beyond with the utmost care.
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