Diabetes doesn’t always announce itself with obvious symptoms. You might feel more tired than usual, notice you’re making extra trips to the bathroom, or find yourself reaching for water throughout the day. It’s easy to dismiss these changes as something else, but they could also mean you have diabetes.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Dr. Michele Reed at MS Family Medicine Health Care, PC, in Mineola, New York, thinks it’s a good time to learn what to watch for so you can take charge of your health.
Diabetes affects how your body regulates blood sugar, also called blood glucose. When blood sugar stays too high, it can damage blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs. Recognizing possible warning signs and getting tested can help you get the care you need sooner.
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes and often develops gradually over time. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, but the following are some less obvious signs to watch for.
Do you feel thirsty even after drinking plenty of water? When blood sugar levels are high, your kidneys work harder to remove excess glucose in your urine. This can leave you dehydrated and make you feel thirstier.
Needing to use the bathroom more than usual, especially at night, is another sign of elevated blood sugar. Your kidneys filter excess glucose from your blood.
The extra sugar draws more water into your urine, so you have to go to the bathroom more frequently. If frequent urination is new or persistent, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor.
Everyone has an occasional exhausting day, but persistent fatigue may signal an underlying health issue.
When your body doesn’t use insulin effectively or doesn’t produce enough insulin, both of which can occur with type 2 diabetes, glucose has a hard time moving from your bloodstream into your cells to provide energy. As a result, you may feel unusually tired even after a full night’s sleep.
High blood sugar can affect fluid levels in your eyes, making it harder to focus. You might notice that your ability to see changes or read close up is more difficult.
Persistent high blood sugar can eventually contribute to more serious eye complications, making prompt evaluation important.
Have you noticed that cuts and scrapes aren’t healing as quickly as they should? High blood sugar can interfere with circulation and affect your body’s ability to heal wounds.
Diabetes can also increase your risk of infection, and persistent sores or recurring skin infections warrant a visit with us.
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or skin infections are sometimes associated with diabetes. High blood sugar can create conditions that make certain infections more likely and harder to clear.
Although recurring infections can have many causes, it’s worth discussing these health concerns with your doctor.
You don’t need all of these symptoms to have diabetes. In fact, many people with type 2 diabetes have few or no symptoms, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, or obesity.
We can do a blood test, such as the hemoglobin A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar over a period of three months. Depending on your results, we may recommend additional testing to confirm or rule out diabetes.
If you experience symptoms, schedule an appointment — don’t wait for your next annual physical.
Diabetes Awareness Month is a reminder that small steps toward better health can make a big difference. Staying physically active, choosing balanced meals, and keeping up with preventive care can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you have symptoms or concerns about your risk of diabetes, call our office today or request an appointment on our website. We can help you take steps so you stay on top of your health and stay well.
