10 Signs That Indicate You Are at Risk for Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition that is a result of insulin resistance or the inability to create insulin. Blood sugar, or blood glucose levels fluctuate from being dangerously high to low and need to be monitored to maintain a safe and healthy level. According to the CDC, over 34 million Americans are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. With that being said, below is a list of 10 signs that indicate you are at risk for diabetes. 

1. Frequent Urination

When your blood sugar is high your kidneys are now working overtime to filter and absorb the excess blood sugar or glucose. When the kidneys can not keep up they expel the excess glucose into your urine which causes more frequent urination. One of the early warning signs includes waking up frequently during sleep to use the restroom. 

2. Fatigue 

Just as your kidneys are overworked your body has to work harder to get rid of excess sugar. This takes a toll on the entire body causing significant fatigue. Your body also alters the way glucose is used for energy. High blood pressure, also known as hyperglycemia, causes fatigue along with other symptoms in the body. 

3. Excess Thirst

Essential nutrients will be drawn from your body when your kidneys work overtime and you urinate more often. A constant need to quench your thirst is a sign that you’re urinating way too often. 

4. Increased Hunger

Once you have high blood sugar, your body is working diligently to reduce it. You may experience greater cravings since your body dismisses so much of the glucose from your diet.

5. Blurred Vision 

Diabetes can disrupt the nerves and blood vessels in the eye, causing a dilated retina and impaired vision. Your vision may recover to normal or decline when blood sugar levels increase and fluctuate.

6. Unexplained Weight Loss

When you release extra glucose, you lose your main source of fuel, and when your body is unable to utilize glucose for fuel, it begins to burn fat and muscle, leading to weight loss. At 10 lbs. or 5% of body weight, unexpected weight loss is deemed substantial.

7. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet

High blood sugar levels can have a negative influence on nerves. This loss might begin with tingly and numb sensations eventually progressing into pain later on.

8. Skin Discoloration 

Insulin deficiency can cause your body to produce dark spots (acanthosis nigricans), which are commonly located in the creases of the neck, underarm region, or groin. The appearance of these dark areas can look elevated and plush in appearance.

9. Slow Healing 

Damaged blood vessels produce decreased blood flow in the same way that compromised eye tissue causes blurry vision. As a result, blood can’t travel to the afflicted region as easily. Cuts and bruises might take several weeks to heal. Untreated cuts and wounds are more likely to become infected as a result of the sluggish recovery, raising the risk of amputation.

10. Common Yeast Infections 

The extra glucose in your bloodstream and urine provides a great habitat for yeast. Yeast may feed on excess sugar in genital regions, as well as the lips and armpits. Monitoring blood sugar levels can help lower the probability of yeast infections.

Risk Factors 

• 45+
• Overweight
• Inactive Lifestyle
• Genetics
• Diabetes during pregnancy
• High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or a stroke in the past