Diabetes develops when the amount of insulin is not enough to allow glucose from our diet to enter the cells which need glucose for energy. Insulin is like a key required to open the door for glucose to enter our cells. Without the keys, the glucose accumulates in the blood and causes the symptoms that patients frequently experience.
There are several types of diabetes, the most common being Diabetes type 2. Before type 2 diabetes develops, there is a period of increasing insulin resistance. The pancreas, which produces insulin, works extra hard during this time to overcome the resistance of insulin. The pancreas in overdrive eventually leads to failure to produce insulin, and diabetes develops.
Many patients don’t notice early warnings, as they appear gradually. In these patients, diabetes is commonly discovered later in the course of the disease by routine labs. Not paying attention to the early warning signs of diabetes puts patients at a higher risk of serious complications such as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state or diabetic ketoacidosis, requiring hospitalization.
Here are the top 12 common signs of diabetes:
1. Fatigue (1)
Many of my patients experience fatigue as their only symptoms of diabetes. They describe physical or mental exhaustion. This happens due to a metabolic shift. As glucose cannot enter the cell, the cell must use a different energy source to keep going – fat. This shift in metabolism affects electrolytes and pH balance in cells, making one feel weak and tired.
2. Weight Loss (2)
Weight loss before the diagnosis of diabetes is a vital warning sign; however, often missed or misunderstood. Weight loss is good, but not at the expense of high blood glucose. Since glucose is not entering cells, cells enter into a sort of “starvation mode” where thy start burning fat instead of glucose. We call this unintentional weight loss. If you are experiencing weight loss without trying to lose weight, bring it up to your doctor.
3. Blurry Vision (3)
High blood sugar levels – hyperglycemia – causes the eye’s lens to swell, which will distort vision. The blurry vision is often transient and will improve with lower glucose levels. There are several other effects of diabetes on the eye’s health, which can develop later, which are not transient in nature.
4. Excessive Thirst and Dry Mouth (4)
Dehydration is the real culprit behind this excessive thirst resulting in drinking a lot of water called polydipsia. Higher glucose levels attract more water from our body, pulling it to make its way to the kidney and bladder. We excrete more water, which raises sodium concentration. This signals our brain that we are dehydrated, and we experience thirst.
5. Frequent urination (5)
People with hyperglycemia will get rid of extra glucose in the urine, taking a lot of water with it. When you produce a lot of dilute urine frequently, be sure to mention it to your doctor.
6. Frequent infections (6)
A complex interplay between the molecules of metabolic pathways, oxidative stress, and white cells can weaken the immune system. This predisposes a diabetic patient to more opportunistic infections caused by yeast and bacteria. Common infections include:
- Urinary Tract infections
- Oral thrush
- Skin infection
- Yeast vaginitis
7. Delayed Wound Healing (7)
The relationship between diabetes and impaired wound healing is complicated and involves neuropathic, vascular, and immune system pathology. Long periods of hyperglycemia can lead to damage to nerves and small arteries, delivering nutrients to wounds. Chronic wounds and delayed healing develop later in the progression of diabetes.
8. Burning Pain Or Numbness In Feet (8)
Peripheral neuropathy of diabetes involves symptoms in both feet or toes. Patients typically report burning pain and discomfort, which is worse by a hot shower.
9. Itching (9)
This is a rare and more common symptom in elderly patients. Itching resolves with controlling blood glucose levels.
10. Dark skin changes (10)
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition found in patients with diabetes. It is a dark patch of skin located in several locations: back of the neck, axillae, and other body creases.
11. Erectile Dysfunction (11)
Caused by diseased small vessels due to long-standing diabetes and hyperglycemia. The small arteries become dysfunctional and unable to deliver sufficient blood volume to the penis during an erection.
12. Constipation (12)
Constipation is caused by a slower transit in the colon. Treatment starts with a high fiber diet, as fiber stimulates colonic movement and provides bulk. If fiber is not successful in relieving constipation, other therapies can be prescribed by a doctor.
