Diabetes is known as one of the “silent killer” diseases. More than 23 million people in the United States have diabetes; only about three quarters of them know they have the disease. The other six million patients are not diagnosed until the symptoms of the disease become severe. When the disease is just beginning, the signs of diabetes seem harmless; the patient does not consult the doctor, the disease progresses and the symptoms continue without treatment.
The first symptoms of diabetes are usually very mild and are often overlooked. Many people who have symptoms put off seeking medical care because they feel the symptoms are too trivial to warrant medical treatment. Other people have a hectic lifestyle and endure the symptoms because they find it difficult to make time to go for medical tests.
The telltale early signs of diabetes are as follows:
Increased frequency of urination
The need to urinate much more frequently than normal is often the first sign that a person with diabetes will notice. This symptom may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience. However, it should be taken seriously as it is caused by the kidneys having to work overtime to filter the blood when it contains high levels of sugar.
Excessive thirst
The need to drink unusually large amounts of fluid is another early sign of diabetes that seems trivial, but is caused by the body’s need to take in more fluid to balance the loss caused by increased kidney activity.
extreme hunger
An unusual increase in hunger does not seem serious, but it is caused by a lack of insulin in the body. Energy levels drop and the body signals hunger because it needs food to restore energy levels to normal.
unexplained weight loss
Many people welcome weight loss, but if it happens suddenly and isn’t associated with deliberate attempts to lose weight, it should be taken as a sign that something is wrong. A medical review is always recommended in cases of unexplained weight loss.
feeling unusually tired
Feelings of fatigue occur when there is not enough insulin in the body to efficiently absorb blood sugar, the body’s energy levels drop, and feelings of tiredness afflict the sufferer.
feeling unusually irritable
Irritability is caused by the presence of low energy levels in the body. The patient feels sluggish and normal activities become challenging. Depression is often experienced along with irritability.
blurry vision
Blurred vision or any other unusual vision disturbance should always be investigated immediately. If the problem is caused by inflammation of the lenses of the eyes, it could cause blindness.