While most people may choose to disregard the possibility of diabetes if they don’t have a family history of it or if they generally keep their distance from sugary foods, diabetes can be sneakier than you think. The warning signs can be so subtle (especially with type 2 diabetes) that some people don’t realize they have it until they experience long-term damage caused by the disease. Here are some symptoms to be aware of and understand – the earlier they are recognized, the more timely the diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
Excessive thirst and urination
Diabetes is a result of excess sugar (glucose) built up in the blood. Your kidneys are forced to work overtime to filter out the waste and absorb the excess sugar. If the kidneys can’t keep up, that sugar will be excreted as waste, which leads to frequent bathroom trips and in turn, dehydration. The more dehydrated you feel the more you’ll drink fluids and then feel the urge to pee. It’s a vicious cycle.
Extreme fatigue
If you’re having trouble staying awake, even when you’ve had a proper night’s rest, it could be due to the dehydration or your body’s trouble to convert the sugar into energy.
Slow-to-heal cuts or wounds
High-level glucose levels can negatively impact your blood circulation, making it hard for the blood needed for skin repair to reach affected sores or cuts in your body. If after months, you’re noticing that your wounds are still open and unhealed, take note of this red flag.
Problems in the bedroom
According to the global diabetes community, up to 50 percent of men and 25 percent of women may experience some kind of sexual problems or a loss of sexual desire as a result of the disease. Furthermore, some women can also experience recurrent vaginitis (an inflammation of the vagina) or other infections which can prevent sex from being enjoyable.
Sources:
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/symptoms/slow-healing-of-wounds.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-symptoms/art-20044248
