You can definitely have diabetes without knowing it. In fact, one in five people with diabetes aren’t even aware they have it. Diabetes develops when your body can’t properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Here are the key symptoms to watch out for:*Common Symptoms:*- *Frequent Urination*: When there’s excess sugar in your blood, your kidneys work harder to eliminate it, making you pee more often.- *Excessive Thirst and Dry Mouth*: As you urinate more, you lose water, leading to dehydration and thirst.- *Weight Loss*: Sudden weight loss, especially without trying, can be a sign of diabetes.- *Tiredness*: High blood sugar levels can leave you feeling extremely fatigued.- *Blurred Vision*: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, causing blurry vision or even blindness.- *Slow-Healing Wounds*: High blood sugar can impede wound healing and increase the risk of infection.- *Dry Skin*: Diabetes can disrupt skin moisture balance, leading to dry skin.- *Numbness or Tingling*: Nerve damage from diabetes can cause numbness or tingling sensations in your hands and feet.*Signs in Women and Men:*- Women are more likely to experience vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections.- Men may experience loss of muscle mass and erectile dysfunction.*Risk Factors:*- *Family History*: Having a parent or sibling with diabetes increases your risk.- *Age*: Risk increases after 40, especially if you’re from certain ethnic backgrounds.- *Weight*: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor.- *Physical Inactivity*: Sedentary lifestyle contributes to diabetes risk.- *High Blood Pressure*: Having high blood pressure increases your risk.¹ ² ³If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are at risk, consult your doctor for a blood test to check your blood glucose levels. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing diabetes.
Can You Have Diabetes Without Knowing It? Discover the Key Symptoms
