Do you know how important it is to recognize the early signs of diabetes?
Many individuals who have type 2 diabetes are not aware of it until they make a blood test or the condition progresses, and severe complications begin to occur.
According to the director of Mount Sinai Clinical Diabetes Institute, Cleveland Clinic, MD, this condition is insidious and silent for the most part.
Most people do not have early signals. However, in some cases, there are some sneaky signs. Certain early signs of diabetes are well- know, such as sudden weight loss or gain, constant thirst, and excessive urination.
Others can be easily missed by patients and medical professionals.
9 Easily Missed Warning Signs of Diabetes
1. Strange Sensations in Limbs
This metabolic condition can affect and damage the nerves before we become aware that we have it. Damaged nerves result in tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in the feet and hands.
In fact, this is very common when it comes to nerve compression in lumbar and cervical disc issues or other neurological disorders. However, it can also mean that we have a chronic disease.
Therefore, it is best not to ignore these signs.
2. Change in Vision
This condition can also affect our vision. Some individuals may notice floating objects right in front of their eyes, and on the other hand, some individuals may notice blurred vision that occurs because of rising blood sugar.
However, what is surprising is the fact that some individuals might even notice improvements in their vision. In most cases, the vision returns to its initial state once the treatments start.
However, if we notice any change in our vision, we should consult our doctor and make sure to do some tests just to be sure and aware of our state.
3. Restless Nights
Another early and easily missed symptom is restlessness. It can occur due to frequent urination, disturbed sleep, sleep apnea, and leg restlessness because of nerve damage.
A common indicator is excessive stress, which can lead to increased restlessness during the night. If we have this symptom we should not ignore it, but check it out and prevent further complications.
4. Skin Discoloration
This symptom is not widely discussed. However, it is possible that it can be an early sign of prediabetes. In case we notice changes in the color of our skin on the neck, we need to check it out.
In addition, dark discoloration at the back of the neck may indicate insulin resistance. Pay attention to the skin.
5. Wounds That Heal Slow
Increased blood glucose can affect many functions, including the healing process. As a matter of fact, this symptom is among the most known when it comes to this disease.
We will know that we have this symptom if our infections and wounds need too long to heal. In many cases, the skin sensation is also changed, and as a result, the injury might go unnoticed.
Uncontrolled blood glucose does not boost healthy healing, in fact, it leads to long-standing skin infections or injuries with a higher risk of complications.
6. Long Naps
Last year at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Disease a scientific review was presented that reports that there might be a connection between naps and diabetes type 2.
According to this review, individuals who took daytime naps that were more than 1 hour were 45 percent more susceptible to developing the chronic condition in comparison to individuals who naps less or did not take naps at all.
The authors of the study say that it is not likely that daytime naps can lead to the disease. However, the researchers note that it might be a warning sign of some underlying problems such as sleep apnea, sleep deprivation, and depression.
All of these conditions mentioned above are linked to a higher risk.
7. Hearing Problems
This is a very unusual symptom so it’s often not even associated with the disease. Yes, hearing problems are usual after infections, injuries, and also in aging people, but that does not mean that it cannot be a symptom of this disease.
Increased blood glucose levels can affect our nerves or the auditory nerve which can affect our hearing—by increasing the volume of the TV. Maybe it is time to schedule a visit with a doctor as soon as possible.
8. Infected or Inflamed Gums
Gum disease, i.e., periodontitis might be an early sign reports recent research published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care journal.
According to this study, people that have gum disease, especially the serious cases had greater rates of metabolic condition(both undiagnosed and diagnosed) and pre-diabetes in comparison to those without gum disease.
Dr. Tamler says that the link between both conditions is nothing new. According to him, it goes both ways, having one condition can increase the chance of developing the other condition.
9. Itching
Increased blood glucose levels may affect the circulation of the blood. As a result, there may be increased itching.
We should see our doctor in case we experience itchy, dry skin, frequent yeast infections, and jock itch.
If we are experiencing any of these symptoms above mentioned, we should see our doctor and talk about it.
Have you experienced any of these early signs of diabetes?
Source Healthiens | Health
