Could you be diabetic and not know?

A diabetologist can easily check your sugar levels and by tracking those numbers he can reveal if you have diabetes. Unfortunately, many people don’t get themselves tested because they either show no or very mild symptoms of diabetes. Read further to find out if you could be diabetic and not know.

At a Glance:

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that results in too much sugar in the blood. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common form of this condition. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar..

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes can be very mild and can go unnoticed. Early signs of diabetes include:

1. Feeling thirstier than usual.
2. Increased Hunger.
3. Urinating more often.
4. Unexplained weight loss.
5. Fatigue and blurred vision.
6. Dry skin and itchiness.
7. Infection that keeps returning.

When should you consider being tested for diabetes?

It is important to talk to your doctor if you suspect any of the above symptoms. People who are older than 45 and have other risks of diabetes, are overweight or obese, or are physically inactive should consider meeting their doctor. The earlier you spot the problem the lesser the chance of other complications.

How can I manage diabetes?

According to WebMD, studies have shown that 90% of cases of Type 2 diabetes can be managed by simply maintaining a healthy diet and physical exercise. People who are already diagnosed with diabetes should keep a regular check on their sugar levels and try to keep it near normal by maintaining a low sugar and low carb diet.

How can I prevent diabetes?

Diabetes can be easily prevented by making a few simple changes in your lifestyle, such as:

1. Physical activity on a regular basis can prevent diabetes.
2. Replace all beverages with water. 
3. Maintain a healthy body weight. 
4. Switch to a healthy low carb diet and cut on sugar.
5. Optimize your Vitamin D levels.

Diabetes is a progressive disease and without proper care, it can further lead to serious health complications. Keep a closer check on the symptoms and risk factors. It is possible to get diabetes under control by just making changes in your diet and lifestyle patterns.

Reference

“Can you have diabetes and not know it?” WebMD,
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/qa/can-you-have-diabetes-and-not-know-it Accessed on 4th March 2020

“Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes”, WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms Accessed on 4th March 2020

“Diabetes warning signs: What should you know”, Healthline 
 https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-warning-signs Accessed on 4th March 2020

“Diabetes – Symptoms and causes” Mayoclinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444 Accessed on 4th March 2020