Common Signs of Diabetes and When to Get Tested

Did you know that around 1 in 5 adults with diabetes live without it being diagnosed? Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, with symptoms so mild they can easily go unnoticed. Being able to recognize the early warning signs of this condition can help you take action before serious complications develop.

At OccuMed Primary Care, our doctor, Shyam Patel, specializes in family medicine and preventative care. Our comprehensive diagnostic testing can help you identify diabetes early, when treatment is most effective.

A Brief Overview of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how your body processes sugar, or glucose. Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to process glucose and manage blood sugar levels appropriately. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively. This frequently leads to high blood sugar levels that can cause damage to organs and blood vessels over time.

There are three main types to be aware of: Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or the teen years; Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed in adults, but can develop at any age; and gestational diabetes can be diagnosed and last for the duration of a pregnancy.

Common Signs of Diabetes

Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

Excessive thirst paired with frequent urination is often one noticeable symptom. When blood sugar levels rise, your kidneys do extra work to filter out the excess glucose, pulling water from your tissues and making you feel dehydrated.

Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest can be common in diabetes. Without proper glucose absorption, your cells lack the energy they need to function normally.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying might seem like a good thing, but it can signal diabetes. When your cells can’t access glucose for energy, your body starts burning fat and muscle instead.

Blurry Vision

High blood sugar can impact your vision by causing the lens in your eye to swell, which changes its shape and affects your ability to focus.

Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections

Elevated blood sugar impairs your immune system and reduces blood flow. This makes it harder for your body to heal wounds and fight off infections.

When to Get Tested

Risk Factors for Diabetes

In addition to noticing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consider getting testing done if you have any of these risk factors:

• Being overweight or obese
• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• History of gestational diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain ethnic backgrounds (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American)

Testing Methods

Several different tests can be used to diagnose diabetes, such as:

• A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Checks blood sugar after overnight fasting
• Random Blood Sugar Test: Can be performed at any time, without fasting
• Glucose Tolerance Test: Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose solution

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection allows for immediate intervention through lifestyle changes and medication if necessary. This can prevent or delay serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems.

Experiencing Symptoms? Take Control of Your Health With a Test Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. If you recognize any of these warning signs or have risk factors for diabetes, now is the time to schedule a consultation with OccuMed Primary Care. Dr. Patel and our compassionate team can run comprehensive diagnostic tests to screen for diabetes and provide treatment plans based on your test results.

Contact OccuMed Primary Care today to schedule your appointment. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.