Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that impact the body’s metabolism of blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an essential energy source for muscles and body tissue. It is also the brain’s principal source of energy. The most common types are Type 1 diabetes and type 2. Diabetes disorders that are usually reversible include Prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes.
According to the FDA, Diabetes affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States. One out of every four diabetics is completely unaware of their illness. Blood sugar levels that exceed normal lead to the onset of prediabetes. And, unless precautions are taken, prediabetes might progress to diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy-related condition. It may, however, disappear once the baby is delivered.
Diabetes’s major cause differs based on the type. Diabetes, regardless of type, can cause an imbalance of sugar in the blood. Much sugar in the body can cause major health concerns.
According to Hopkins, The majority of the early symptoms are caused by higher-than-normal amounts of glucose in your blood. The warning signs can be so minor that you miss them. This is particularly true for those suffering from type 2 diabetes. Some individuals do not realize they have it until they encounter the disease’s long-term effects. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually appear quickly, within just a few days or weeks. They are significantly worse.
Diabetes’s Early Warning Signs And Symptoms
These include:
Unintentional Weight Loss:
If your body cannot receive energy through food, it will begin to utilize muscle and fat instead. You may lose weight even if you do not change your eating habits.
Dry Mouth:
Because your body uses fluids to produce urine, less water is available for other purposes. You can become dehydrated, and your mouth might become dry.
Itchy Skin:
Dehydration can make your skin itchy.
Urinating Frequently:
Normally a person needs to urinate four to seven times each day, but persons with diabetes may need to urinate much more frequently. Why? Generally, as glucose flows through your kidneys, your body reabsorbs it. If you suffer from diabetes, your kidneys may be unable to replenish all of your blood sugar. As a result, the body produces more urine, which consumes fluids. You will thus need to go more frequently.
Feeling Thirstier Than Usual:
Because you’re urinating so much, you may become dehydrated. You will pee more if you take more water.
Vision Impairment:
Changes in fluid levels in your body may cause the lenses in your eyes to bulge. So, the eye lens causes blurred vision.
Hunger And Fatigue:
Your body turns the food you eat into glucose, which your cells need for energy. But for your cells to take in glucose, you need insulin.
You won’t have any or enough energy if your body does not produce any insulin or if your tissues reject the insulin your body does make. You may have greater hunger and fatigue as a result of this.
Sores Or Cuts That Heal Slowly:
High blood glucose levels can disrupt blood flow and induce nerve damage, making wound healing difficult.
Testing For Diabetes
You’ll need to check your blood sugar to determine whether you have prediabetes, type 1, or type 2 diabetes. Testing is easy, and results are typically available quickly. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will perform one or more of the following blood tests:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
This checks your blood sugar levels after fasting (not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or less is considered normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or more indicates diabetes.
Random Blood Sugar Test:
This evaluates your blood sugar at the moment of testing. You can take this test whenever you want and do not need to fast (not eat) prior. Diabetes is confirmed when your blood sugar level exceeds 200 mg/dL.
A1C Test:
The A1C test measures your mean blood sugar level over the past two or three months. An A1C of less than 5.7% is considered normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or more indicates diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes To Control Your Diabetes
You may manage your diabetes by concentrating on a few important modifications in your daily life while working closely with your doctor.
Exercise:
It’s time to get started if you’re not already. You are not required to join a gym or engage in cross-training. Simply go for a jog, ride your bike, or play active games. Most days of the week, your aim should be 30 minutes of activity that causes you to sweat and breathe more deeply.
Eat Healthily:
When you have diabetes, what you eat impacts your blood sugar levels. Concentrate on only consuming what your body demands. Consume a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and healthy grains. Choose low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
Avoid Alcohol:
Alcohol can induce an increase or decrease in blood sugar levels. Before drinking, check your blood sugar levels, and take precautions to avoid low blood sugar.
Manage Stress:
Blood sugar levels rise when you are anxious. And if you’re nervous, you might not be able to manage your diabetes well. You could neglect to take your medicine, eat healthy, or exercise. Find relaxation activities, such as deep breathing, yoga, or relaxation.
Stop Smoking:
According to the CDC, the more cigarettes you smoke, the more likely you are to develop type 2 diabetes. Smoking makes diabetes more difficult to manage, regardless of the type. If you have diabetes and smoke, you are more likely to develop major diabetic health complications, such as heart disease.
If you have any signs or symptoms of diabetes, you should get tested by Walk-In Labs. Walk-In Lab offers various blood tests to evaluate your blood sugar levels at a very good price. Early diagnosis of diabetes can help you to manage your health better. So, book your testing for diabetes with the Walk-In Lab today.
References:
- What Is Diabetes? Retrieved from cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html
- Diabetes. Retrieved from fda.gov: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/minority-health-and-health-equity-resources/diabetes
- Guide To Diabetes. Retrieved from hopkinsdiabetesinfo.org: https://hopkinsdiabetesinfo.org/
- Walk-In. Diabetes Tests. Retrieved from walkinlab.com: https://www.walkinlab.com/categories/view/diabetes-tests
- Diabetes. Retrieved from who.int: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
