what are signs of diabetes

ByHawya

Dear friends, today I’d like to share my journey of learning about diabetes. It started not long ago. While at work one day, I noticed I felt unusually tired and struggled with tasks I normally handled easily. This puzzled me, as I’ve always been health-conscious and my routine hadn’t changed. I decided to delve deeper into understanding diabetes, given its prevalence. Here’s what I discovered:

Symptoms of Diabetes

10 Early Warning Signs

Diabetes has several early signs to watch for. Personally, I experienced intense, unquenchable thirst – no amount of water seemed enough. During a shopping trip, my constant drinking surprised my friend.

Urination became much more frequent. Waking up multiple times nightly disrupted my sleep, leaving me exhausted the next day.

I lost weight unintentionally, despite no changes in diet or exercise. Initially, I blamed work stress.

The presence of ketones in urine can also be a sign – a discovery that concerned me when I researched my test results.

Persistent fatigue became overwhelming. Simple chores like cooking or tidying after work felt like huge efforts.

My mood became irritable and volatile. A minor work disagreement nearly made me lose my temper.

Blurred vision developed. I thought it was screen time until struggling to read road signs while driving.

Wounds healed much slower. A small cut on my finger took days longer than usual to mend.

The Classic Triad (“The Three Polys”)

Diabetes is often marked by three key symptoms: Polyuria (frequent urination), Polydipsia (excessive thirst), and Polyphagia (increased hunger). I experienced the first two profoundly – during a dinner, my constant trips to the loo and water intake surprised friends before I understood the cause.

3 Primary Symptoms

The main symptoms include excessive thirst/dry mouth, frequent urination, and fatigue. Experiencing all three, especially during a family trip where constant loo breaks and thirst hampered enjoyment, worried me and my family.

How Diabetes Feels at Onset

Early signs like nighttime urination, intense thirst, and unexplained weight loss warrant immediate medical attention and blood sugar testing. My neighbour ignored these, his health deteriorated, and he regretted not acting sooner upon his diabetes diagnosis.

How High Blood Sugar Feels

Hyperglycaemia can cause thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss, and recurrent infections (e.g., thrush, cystitis, skin infections). A friend suffered recurrent thrush linked to high blood sugar.

Testing and Diagnosis

Recognising Diabetes

Symptoms often start subtly. I felt unusually hungry, constantly tired, needed the loo frequently, had persistent dry mouth/thirst, itchy skin, and blurry vision. Feeling hungry again soon after a meal, joked about as a “big eater,” signalled something was wrong.

Home Testing Methods

Options include Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), using a small sensor for 24/7 monitoring, or portable glucose meters requiring a finger-prick blood sample. A friend uses a meter daily for peace of mind.

Can I Self-Diagnose?

Home kits (finger-prick or CGM) indicate high blood sugar but cannot diagnose diabetes. A doctor’s blood test (HbA1c or fasting glucose) is essential for diagnosis. A colleague panicked over high home readings, only to be cleared by his doctor.

Testing Without Equipment

Accurate home testing without equipment is impossible. Seeing a doctor for blood tests is crucial. My neighbour delayed seeking help without a meter, leading to a more severe diagnosis later.

Daily Management for Diabetics

Daily Water Intake

Staying hydrated is vital. Recommendations are approximately:

  • Women: 1.6 litres (around 6.5 cups)
  • Men: 2 litres (around 8.5 cups)

I now use a measured cup to ensure I meet this, aiding hydration and preventing dehydration as doctors advise.

Can Diabetics Eat Fruit?

Opt for fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit in juice, labelled “No Added Sugar.” My diabetic uncle meticulously checks labels, helping him manage his blood sugar well.

3 Drinks Diabetics Should Avoid

Limit sugary drinks: fizzy drinks (soda), fruit punch, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea. The American Diabetes Association warns these spike blood sugar, offer poor nutrition, and contribute to weight gain. I’ve drastically cut down my former soda habit.

Does Lemon Water Lower Blood Sugar?

Lemon water doesn’t directly lower levels but may help prevent spikes. I enjoy a daily glass for hydration and this potential benefit.

Can Diabetics Drink Coffee?

Caffeine can affect insulin sensitivity, potentially raising or lowering blood sugar. Sensitivity varies; ~200mg caffeine impacts some, not others. My diabetic friend, after consulting his doctor, found he tolerates small amounts without issue.

Related Concepts

What is “Diabetic Neck”?

This refers to Acanthosis Nigricans – dark, velvety skin patches on the neck, armpits, groin, or sometimes hands/elbows/knees. Diabetes can cause such skin changes. Online accounts from diabetics describe these alarming patches.

What is a “Diabetic Belly”?

Not a medical term, it describes central obesity where visceral fat accumulates around organs. My relative’s large waistline prompted doctor warnings about associated health risks.

Prevention

How to Prevent Diabetes

  • Lose Weight: If overweight, losing weight significantly reduces risk. A classmate achieved this through diet and exercise, earning his doctor’s praise.
  • Exercise Regularly: Consistent activity offers immense benefits. Daily running or skipping has improved my wellbeing.
  • Eat Healthy Plant Foods: Prioritise vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while reducing meat.
  • Choose Healthy Fats: Include moderate amounts, like olive oil or fish oil.
  • Avoid Fad Diets, Choose Healthy Eating: Fad diets are ineffective and potentially harmful. My own experience proved this.

Conclusion and Action

Armed with this knowledge, I’m prioritising my health through lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes. If diagnosed, prompt control is essential. I’ve scheduled a comprehensive check-up. I hope for good health and that sharing this encourages others to be proactive about theirs.

Summary Lists

10 Early Warning Signs of Diabetes

  • Increased thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Ketones in urine.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Irritability or mood swings.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Slow-healing sores/cuts.
  • Frequent infections.
  • Tingling/numbness in hands/feet (Type 2).

The Classic Triad (“The Three Polys”)

  • Polyuria (Frequent Urination)
  • Polydipsia (Excessive Thirst)
  • Polyphagia (Increased Hunger)

5 Signs of Very High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycaemia)

  • Thirst/Dry mouth.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Fatigue.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Nausea, stomach ache, or vomiting.
  • Fruity-smelling breath.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Confusion or drowsiness.

Early Symptoms Warranting a Doctor’s Visit

  • Frequent urination (especially at night – Nocturia).
  • Excessive thirst.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

Recommended Daily Fluid Intake

  • Women: ~1.6 litres (6.5 cups)
  • Men: 2 litres (8.5 cups)

Core Diabetes Symptoms

  • Increased thirst (Polydipsia)/Dry mouth.
  • Frequent urination (Polyuria).
  • Fatigue.

Home Testing Methods for Blood Sugar

  • Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
  • Finger-prick Glucose Meter.

How High Blood Sugar Feels

  • Thirst/Dry mouth.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Fatigue.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Recurrent infections (e.g., thrush, cystitis, skin).

Suitable Fruits for Diabetics

  • Fresh fruit.
  • Frozen fruit (no added sugar).
  • Tinned fruit in juice (Labels: “In own juice,” “No Added Sugar,” “Unsweetened”).

Drinks Diabetics Should Limit/Avoid

  • Fizzy Drinks (Soda/Pop).
  • Fruit Punch/Cordial.
  • Sports Drinks.
  • Energy Drinks.
  • Sweetened Tea/Coffee.