Early Diabetes Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
(0 comments)
Discovering diabetes early can make a difference. Here's what to watch for.
Could someone you know have diabetes and not even know it? It may seem surprising, but it's entirely possible. Even more likely is that a person may have prediabetes, but not have any idea his or her body is experiencing physiologic stress. Prediabetes is the calm before the storm—and it may be halted if lifestyle changes happen quickly.
What Is Prediabetes, Anyway?
Prediabetes, also called impaired glucose tolerance, occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal yet still too low to qualify for a diabetes diagnosis (see below). If that sounds like a mild or benign condition, think again. While we've long-known the serious health consequences of diabetes-increased risk for blindness, heart attack, stroke, and amputation among them—new research suggests that having prediabetes places people at risk for developing diabetes-and all the complications that come with it. With some 41 million American adults estimated as living with prediabetes, there's serious cause for concern. But there's also some encouraging news. If you or someone you know has prediabetes, the onset of full-blown diabetes—and its host of potential side effects—is not inevitable. Studies show that making small but important lifestyle modifications may not only delay the development of diabetes, but also may help prevent the disease. Knowledge and awareness of some significant but subtle symptoms are absolutely essential to early detection.
Subtle Symptoms of Diabetes
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, you may not notice small changes in how you feel. Yet these shifts may be your body trying to let you know that things aren't quite right. One small change alone is not necessarily a red flag, but a few of these subtle symptoms should certainly prompt you to see your doctor. Consider asking yourself the following questions:
Are you suddenly feeling much thirstier, hungrier, and losing weight without trying?
Do you feel more fatigued or weaker than usual? If you've started exercising significantly more, these changes could be expected. But if your diet and exercise patterns have remained stable, discuss these changes with your doctor promptly.
Are you experiencing blurred vision or recurring skin or gum infections?
Have you noticed that cuts and bruises take longer to heal? Are you, urinating more often or feeling tingling in your hands, feet, or legs?
These, too, may initially seem insignificant, especially in isolation. But having any combination of these symptoms should not be ignored. It's also possible to have prediabetes without exhibiting any symptoms. People with a family history of diabetes who have recently gained weight and have increasing levels of cholesterol should ask their physician to check them for prediabetes.
Modifications That Matter
- Increasing daily physical activity such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling to at least 60 minutes per day is one thing you can do to help reduce your risk. Exercise may be beneficial to your heart, lungs, emotional health, and to help you achieve a healthy body weight-one of the most significant risk factors for diabetes.
- Not surprisingly, healthful eating can help too. Fill your diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain, low-fat dairy, and lean sources of protein. Eating a heart healthy, calorie-reduced meal plan can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure and may even assist your weight loss or weight maintenance efforts. This combination of a healthy diet paired with plenty of exercise is critical to staving off diabetes, especially when there are signs of prediabetes.
