14 Early Warnings Signs Of Diabetes

Diabetes patient measuring glucose level blood test using ultra

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In 2014, more than 382 million people worldwide were believed to suffer from diabetes. This metabolic disease is characterized as excessively high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The production of insulin, which the body makes to handle blood sugar, is either reduced or the cells of the body no longer respond to it.

This common, modern day disease initially has very few symptoms and is often overlooked. One out of three people in the early stages of Type 2 diabetes have no idea they’ve developed it. This serious condition has severe complications including neurological and cardiovascular damage if left unchecked.

This is why it is vital that everyone becomes familiar with the early warnings signs of Type 2 diabetes. With a proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits, most people can live a normal life without medications or insulin injections.

Keep reading, and learn about the 14 early warning signs of Type 2 diabetes.

1. Changes In The Skin

Several skin changes can occur due to excessive sugar in the blood, including an itchy feeling, especially in the skin around the genitals. Also, a darker skin tone with a velvety type of appearance, known to doctors as acanthosis nigricans, appears on the groin area, the armpits, and around the neck.

2. Frequent Urination

This is often one of the most common symptoms that will send people to the doctor. If you find that you are urinating much more frequently than before, or if you wake up three or more times each night to pee, this could be an early warning sign of diabetes. The kidneys begin to work overtime trying to remove excess sugar from the blood. This is called polyuria.

3. Excessive Thirst

This one goes hand-in-hand with No. 2. Since you are urinating more frequently, your body loses fluids, so you begin to drink more. If you find that you seem to feel thirsty all the time, you should see your doctor, who will call this condition polydipsia.

4. Tingling In The Hands and Feet

This is a symptom of neuropathy, which is nerve damage, a common complication of diabetes. Numbness or tingling sensations can also be accompanied by feelings of burning or itching and swelling. If glucose levels are not lowered, nerve damage can become permanent.

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