Diabetes is a silent condition that often creeps up unnoticed until it starts causing serious health problems. Recognizing the early warning signs can help with early diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications. Here are seven key symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:
1. Frequent urination
Frequent urination is often one of the first signs of diabetes. When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys must work overtime to filter and remove the excess sugar. As they try to get rid of this extra sugar, they produce more urine, so you’ll need to use the bathroom more frequently, especially at night.
This increased urination is a direct result of your kidneys being unable to keep up with the excess sugar in your bloodstream. The extra sugar is expelled through your urine when they can’t absorb it all. So, if you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more than usual, it could be an early indication of high blood sugar or diabetes.
2. Excessive thirst
Excessive thirst often goes hand in hand with frequent urination. While feeling thirsty on a hot day or after not drinking enough water seems normal, persistent or extreme thirst might be a warning sign of diabetes. When your body struggles to process sugar properly, excess sugar ends in your bloodstream. To remove it, your kidneys produce more urine, leading to frequent urination. This results in dehydration, making you feel constantly thirsty.
Drinking more water to quench this thirst doesn’t help because the cycle continues: the more you drink, the more you urinate, and the thirst remains unquenched. Many overlook this symptom, assuming it’s a natural response to drinking more fluids. However, suppose you feel constantly thirsty even after drinking water and frequent urination. In that case, it may indicate that your body isn’t producing enough insulin—a key early sign of diabetes.
