Do you also have these early signs of diabetes? Let's be aware!

Diabetes is a common, yet potentially dangerous disease among many people in our country. Perhaps someone in your family, a friend, or even you yourself may have this condition. But most of the time, we don't pay much attention to its early symptoms. We dismiss it as "just a little tired," "too thirsty," and dismiss it. But these small symptoms may be hiding a big danger. So today, let's talk about the early symptoms of diabetes, as simply as talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar, or glucose, in your blood is too high. This glucose is the main fuel that provides energy to our body's cells. But in order for this glucose to enter the cells, a hormone called insulin, produced by our body's pancreas, is essential.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: This is when the body is unable to produce enough insulin. It most often develops in children and young adults, but can develop at any age. These people will need to take daily insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
• Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type. What happens here is that although the body produces insulin, the cells are unable to use it properly (Insulin Resistance). Obesity, poor eating habits, and a family history of diabetes are the main risk factors for developing this type.

Common early warning signs of diabetes

There are some common, early symptoms of both types of diabetes. Let's take a look at what they are.

• Feeling hungry all the time: The food you eat turns into glucose and gives energy to the cells. But because there is no insulin or it is not working properly, this glucose does not enter the cells. So the cells do not have energy, which means they keep sending signals to the brain that they are "hungry". That is why you feel hungrier than usual.

• Excessive fatigue and exhaustion: Because your cells don't get the energy they need, you may feel constantly tired and unable to do anything.

• Frequent urination: On average, a person urinates about 4-7 times a day. But a person with diabetes has to urinate more often. Why is that? Normally, the kidneys reabsorb glucose into the body as they filter the blood. But when blood sugar levels rise due to diabetes, the kidneys are unable to reabsorb all of this sugar. So the body needs more water to flush out the excess sugar in the urine. The result is frequent trips to the toilet.

• Excessive thirst: When you urinate too much, your body loses water. As a result, you start to feel thirsty very quickly and excessively. You may feel like you're not thirsty even when you drink water.

• Dry mouth and dry, itchy skin: As the body uses water to make urine, it reduces the moisture available for other things. As a result, the mouth becomes dry and the skin starts to dry and itch.

• Blurred vision: When your body's water levels fluctuate, the lens in your eye can swell. This changes the shape of the lens and makes it unable to focus properly. This is what causes blurred vision.

• Unintentional weight loss: When your body can't get energy from food, it starts burning muscle and fat for energy instead. You may lose weight even if you don't change the way you eat.

Differences in the symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Although these symptoms are common to both types, there is a difference in the way they manifest. The table below will help you identify this difference.

Differences between women and men

There are no major differences in the early symptoms of diabetes between men and women. However, there may be some differences. Women with diabetes are more likely to have vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections . Also, men with untreated diabetes may experience a decrease in muscle strength .

Do children get diabetes too? Watch out for these symptoms

Yes, children can also develop diabetes.

Early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children

Although Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it is most common between the ages of 5-6 and 11-13.

• Excessive hunger or thirst
• Frequent urination (even wetting the bed at night)
• Excessive fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained irritability or changes in behavior
• Vaginal yeast infections in prepubescent or prepubescent girls
• Severe diaper rash in babies

Early signs of Type 2 diabetes in children

Although Type 2 diabetes is common in adults, it is also becoming more common in children , as childhood obesity increases . It may not show any symptoms, but be aware of these:

• Excessive hunger or thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Darkening of the skin around the neck, armpits, and groin (Acanthosis Nigricans)
• Weight loss (this is more common in Type 1)
• Recurrent infections

Let's also learn about gestational diabetes.

High blood sugar levels during pregnancy usually don't cause any major symptoms. You may feel a little thirsty, need to urinate more often, or have a dry mouth. If you're at high risk for gestational diabetes, your doctor will test you for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. But if you're overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or had the condition in a previous pregnancy , you may be tested earlier in your pregnancy.

Warning signs of diabetes complications

If diabetes is not controlled, it can lead to serious complications over time. The following symptoms may be signs of such a condition:

• Time taken for wounds to heal
• Frequent skin itching (especially in the vagina or groin area)
• Frequent yeast infections
• Recent weight gain
• Velvety black skin on the neck, armpits, and groin (`Acanthosis Nigricans`)
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Vision impairment
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

When should you see a doctor?

If you are over 45 or have other risk factors for diabetes (obesity, family history), it is important to get regular blood tests, even if you have no symptoms. Early detection can prevent nerve damage, heart disease, and many other complications.

As a general rule, see a doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• If you feel nauseated, lethargic, and extremely thirsty
• If you urinate excessively
• If you have a severe stomach ache
• If breathing is deeper and faster than normal