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What are the early signs of diabetes?

The early signs of diabetes can be subtle and may not be immediately obvious. The following are some common early signs of diabetes:

  1. Increased thirst: As a result of high blood sugar levels, the body tries to flush out excess glucose through urine, which can lead to dehydration and increased thirst.
  2. Frequent urination: High blood sugar levels can cause the kidneys to work harder to filter out glucose, leading to frequent urination.
  3. Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue as the body is not able to effectively use glucose for energy.
  4. Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, leading to temporary blurred vision.
  5. Slow-healing wounds: Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, which can slow the healing of wounds and make a person more susceptible to infections.
  6. Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet: High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
  7. Unexpected weight loss: In type 1 diabetes, the body is not producing insulin and the body will start to break down fats and muscles for energy, leading to weight loss.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not everyone with diabetes will experience these symptoms. Therefore, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if you are at high risk for diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes-related complications.

Begin Your Journey to Wellness with Patients Medical

Our job at Patients Medical is to listen, to connect the dots between a patient's medical history, symptoms, and their underlying causes. Patients Medical is a superb place for women and men to secure integrative and holistic health care from providers who give personalized care, partner with the patient to focus on the root cause of their illness, support their recovery, and help them maintain good health.

To make an appointment with one of our physicians, please call us at 1-212-794-8800. We look forward to hearing from you.

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