Diabetes is one of the significant health concerns in India. Almost 72 million people have diabetes. Suppose we know the early symptoms and signs of diabetes. In that case, it will be easier for doctors to detect diabetes earlier, benefiting the patients. Diabetes is also beginning to appear much earlier in life in India, meaning that chronic long-term complications are becoming more common.
Diabetes can develop at any age, from children to old age. So, let us understand the early signs of diabetes in inpatients are :
Diabetes Symptoms in Children
Bedwetting
Unexplained WeightLoss
Loss of appetite
Diabetes Symptoms in Adults
Frequent urination.
Excessive thirst
Increases Appetite
Weight loss (Despite a Good Appetite)
GenitalInfections
Slow-healing sores
These are some of the common signs of diabetes. Nearly 50% of people living with diabetes do not show any early signs of this disease. According to American Diabetic Association Guidelines, it’s essential to perform diabetes screening.
So, doctors screen patients with risk factors, such as those with a BMI greater than 25, those with a family history of diabetes, and people suffering from heart or BP issues. In the case of women, screening is done for PCOD (irregular periods) patients or ladies with diabetes from pregnancy or whose baby weight was more than average. These people should monitor their diabetes regularly.
The others who do not have the above risk factors need to check for diabetes after the age of 40. Sometimes, while performing routine screening, the patient shows some level of diabetes in the reports, and then the patient tends to wonder how I got diabetes when I had no such signs or symptoms. It’s already said that 50% of patients do not show any early signs of diabetes.
Regular check-ups are needed. People in the risk category after 25 years should at least go for a diabetes check-up once a year. People who do not possess such risk factors but are showing early symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, weight loss, tingling in their hands, etc., need to consult a doctor as soon as possible and check their sugar levels.
People over 40 who do not have any symptoms and are not in the high-risk category should regularly check their sugar once a year.
Prevention
Eat healthy foods. Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fibre. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to prevent boredom.
Get more physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk daily walk, ride your bike, or swim laps. If you can’t fit in a long workout, break it into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
Lose excess pounds. If you’re overweight, losing even 7 per cent of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy, and improved self-esteem.
Sometimes, medication is also an option, but healthy lifestyle choices remain essential. Have your blood sugar checked at least once a year. If you’re older than 40 or have other risks for diabetes, it’s necessary to get tested. When you spot the condition early, you can avoid nerve damage, heart trouble, and other complications.
FAQs
What are the early signs of diabetes?
Frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue are common early symptoms.
How is diabetes diagnosed early?
Blood tests, such as fasting glucose or HbA1c, can detect diabetes in its early stages.
Can lifestyle changes reverse early-stage diabetes?
In many cases, diet, exercise, and weight management can help control or reverse early-stage diabetes.
Is prediabetes the same as diabetes?
No, prediabetes indicates higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which could lead to diabetes if left unmanaged.
Are there silent symptoms of diabetes?
Some individuals may experience mild or no symptoms, making regular screening important.
