These 6 Subtle Signs Are Often The First Warning Of Diabetes, According To Doctors
Noticing these things could save your life.
Velizar Ivanov | Unsplash We'd expect some hints that we have diabetes, but that's not always the case. Most adults diagnosed have no diabetes symptoms whatsoever, and in those who do have symptoms, they are often very subtle and can be easily missed.
“The most common symptoms are frequent urination (peeing constantly), excessive thirst (because you are peeing constantly), and blurry vision (due to fluid buildup in the eyes),” says Dr. Cara Pensabene of EHE Health. "Other signs of diabetes include numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, unintentional weight loss, increased fatigue, skin darkening (in areas like the back of the neck, under the armpits, or in the groin), and frequent yeast infections in women."
These 6 subtle signs are often the first warning of diabetes, according to doctors:
1. Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
fizkes / Shutterstock
Fatigue is different than just being tired, which can often be relieved through rest. Even after resting, someone with fatigue still feels exhausted and lethargic.
Why? According to Dr. Romi Chopra, an interventional radiologist and founder of MIMIT Health, “This happens in those with diabetes as a result of being overweight, a change in blood sugar levels, or from mental and emotional issues associated with not being diagnosed with diabetes and wondering what is going on.”
2. Unusual thirst and frequent urination
EugeneEdge / Shutterstock
Thirst and/or increased urination are due to the production of excess sugar, which builds up in the blood.
“This build-up causes the kidneys to work overtime to try and absorb or filter excess sugar. When it is not absorbed, it is discharged in the urine, which depletes the body of fluids, causing increased urination. Due to increased urination and loss of fluids, the body becomes dehydrated and thirsty,” Dr. Chopra warns.
3. Increased hunger paired with unexplained weight loss
Perfect Wave / Shutterstock
Dr. Chopra says, “Weight loss and increased hunger also come as a side effect of increased urination because it is a loss of calories. Simultaneously, diabetes is keeping sugar from the cells, which is the cause for the increased hunger.”
4. Blurry or shifting vision
Vaclav Sonnek / Shutterstock
Blurry vision is often a symptom of diabetes that goes unnoticed. But what causes it?
According to Dr. Chopra, “It is caused by the build-up of sugar in the blood pulling fluids from the body, including the lens of the eyes. If this is left untreated, new blood vessels may develop behind the eye, damaging the existing vessels, which can eventually lead to vision loss.”
5. Horizontal ridges on your fingernails
RealPeopleStudio / Shutterstock
These are known as Beau’s lines.
“While these are not always a cause for concern as they may only be a symptom of acute trauma, horizontal ridges on the fingernails may indicate a more serious illness like pneumonia or diabetes,” warns Caleb Backe, Certified Personal Trainer for Maple Holistics.
6. Fruity-smelling breath
antoniodiaz / Shutterstock
If your breath smells sweet in the morning, this could be another sign of a bigger issue that you shouldn’t ignore. “Fruity breath could indicate pre-diabetes symptoms that result from inflammatory issues,” says Backe.
7. Tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet
EAKARAT BUANOI / Shutterstock
This may have happened because you wore a pair of ill-fitting shoes, but it could also mean you have prediabetes, and it’s a sign of elevated blood sugar levels.
“The illness causes damage to the circulatory and nervous systems. Prediabetes usually has no symptoms, so full-blown diabetes is usually preventable. If your feet feel weird for more than a few weeks, you should make an appointment,” Backe advises.
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyle writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly.
