Warning Signs of Diabetes
1. Excessive thirst: An increase in thirst can be one of the earliest signs of diabetes. This is because excess sugar in the body causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues, leading to dehydration and increased thirst.
2. Frequent urination: When the body is unable to use glucose for energy, it begins to break down fat and muscle instead. This produces a large amount of waste products, which can cause the body to produce more urine than usual.
3. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes, as the body is unable to use glucose for energy. This can lead to feelings of tiredness and exhaustion.
4. Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, resulting in blurry vision.
5. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of diabetes, as the body is unable to use glucose for energy and begins to break down fat and muscle instead.
6. Slow healing: High blood sugar levels can affect the body's ability to heal itself. This can result in slow healing of cuts, bruises and wounds.
7. Frequent infections: High blood sugar levels can weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.
8. Dark patches on the skin: Dark patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, can develop in people with diabetes. These patches often appear in the folds of skin, such as the neck and armpits.
9. Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet: High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, resulting in a loss of sensation in the hands and feet.
10. High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a common symptom of diabetes, as the body is unable to use glucose for energy and begins to produce hormones that can raise blood pressure.