Diabetes is often called a "silent killer" because it can develop and progress without causing noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This means that you may have diabetes and be unaware of it, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. About 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it. Meanwhile, diabetes can cause various complications that affect different organs and systems in the body. These conditions may include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, skin issues, and dental troubles.
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, typically develops slowly over time. The increase in blood sugar levels may happen gradually, and symptoms may be mild or go unnoticed. As a result, people may live with undiagnosed diabetes for years. In the early stages of diabetes, there may be no apparent symptoms, or the signs may be subtle and easily overlooked. For example, increased thirst and frequent urination, fatigue, or frequent infections, common diabetes symptoms, can be attributed to other causes or dismissed as usual. As a result, you may not realize that these symptoms are related to diabetes which can silently cause damage to your body.
Even though diabetes may be silent in its early stages, it is a severe condition that requires medical attention. The good news is that once diagnosed, diabetes can often be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular medical care. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and awareness of risk factors can help detect diabetes early and prevent or manage its complications effectively.
Early detection and appropriate management can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health outcomes.
With that said, here are some common signs and symptoms of diabetes:
Frequent urination: Excessive urination, particularly waking up multiple times during the night to urinate (nocturia), can be a symptom of diabetes.
Increased thirst: Feeling unusually thirsty and having a persistent need to drink more fluids than usual may be a sign of diabetes.
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain: Sudden weight loss (despite eating normally) or unexplained weight gain can occur in some individuals with diabetes.
Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy even after getting enough rest can be a symptom of diabetes.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can affect the fluid levels in your eyes, causing blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
Slow healing of wounds: Diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal correctly, so cuts and sores may take longer to heal.
Increased hunger: Some individuals with diabetes may experience constant need or an excessive desire for food, even after eating.
Tingling or numbness: Diabetes can cause nerve damage over time, resulting in tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
Frequent infections: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals with diabetes more susceptible to infections, especially urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and skin infections.
Gum problems: Diabetes may increase the risk of gum disease, causing swollen, red, or tender gums and frequent infections.
It's important to remember that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people with diabetes may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings and check-ups are essential to identify and manage diabetes effectively, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or high blood pressure, which can help detect diabetes early and ensure timely intervention. We can conduct the necessary tests and provide appropriate medical advice. If you suspect you have diabetes or are experiencing any symptoms, please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 for an accurate diagnosis.
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