Don’t Let Diabetes Sneak Up on You. Know These 6 Early Signs

Diabetes can develop quietly, and many people don’t realize they have it until serious health problems show up. In fact, 20% of people with diabetes don’t know. The good news? Your body often gives you warning signs — if you know what to look for.

Take a moment to read on as Melita Tate, MD, and our team at Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma, highlight six signs it’s time to get your blood sugar checked.

1. You’re always thirsty

Feeling unusually thirsty and needing to use the bathroom more frequently — especially at night — can be an early warning sign. This happens because your body is trying to flush out extra sugar in your blood. 

It’s so common that there’s even a name for diabetic thirst — polydipsia. To compound matters, you may experience dry mouth despite drinking extra water. 

2. You’re tired no matter what you do 

Even if you’re getting enough rest, high blood sugar can make you feel tired and sluggish. Your cells aren’t getting the energy they need, which leaves you feeling drained.

3. Your vision is blurry

High blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the lenses of your eyes, which makes it harder to see clearly. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, don’t ignore them.

4. Your hands and feet tingle

High blood sugar can damage your nerves — a condition called diabetic neuropathy. You may experience tingling, burning, or numbness, particularly in your hands and feet.

5. Your cuts take forever to heal

If you have wounds or infections that don’t seem to heal as quickly as they used to, it could be a sign that high blood sugar is affecting your immune system and circulation.

High blood sugar contributes to two conditions — peripheral artery disease (PAD) and neuropathy — that can increase your risk of these slow-healing ulcers. 

If you suspect you have a slow-healing wound, don’t ignore it. These wounds can lead to infection, gangrene, and, in severe cases, amputations.

5. Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying, especially accompanied by any of the above symptoms, could indicate that your body is breaking down muscle and fat for energy due to a lack of insulin.

Unexplained weight loss is more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes, but it can also occur in type 2 diabetes, especially in the early stages or when your blood sugar levels are very high.

In type 1 diabetes, your body stops producing insulin altogether. Without insulin, your body can’t use glucose (sugar) for energy; instead, it breaks down fat and muscle, which can lead to rapid weight loss, even if you're eating normally.

In type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced, but your body becomes resistant to it. While less common, weight loss can still occur if your blood sugar remains uncontrolled and your body starts to break down fat and muscle for fuel.

While weight loss might seem like a good thing — especially if you're overweight — losing weight this way isn’t healthy. It often means your body is breaking down muscle for energy, which can weaken your physical health and lead to other complications. 

Why early detection matters

Diabetes affects your entire body, from your eyes to your toes. The sooner you know if you have the condition, the sooner you can start managing it and prevent serious complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, heart problems, and vision loss. 

When caught early, diabetes can often be managed effectively with medication such as insulin, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits. 

If you're diagnosed with prediabetes, these lifestyle changes can reverse the condition and stop it from progressing to full-blown diabetes. 

Be proactive about your health

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or you’re at risk for diabetes, it’s important to get tested to find out if you’re dealing with type 1, type 2, or prediabetes.

At Grassroots Healthcare, we take a whole-person approach to wellness and offer lab testing, lifestyle support, and personalized care to help you stay ahead of chronic conditions like diabetes.

Concerned about your blood sugar? Contact us by phone or online today.