Don't Let Diabetes Sneak Up on You: Know These 6 Early Signs

November is Diabetes Awareness Month — a perfect time to learn about the early signs of diabetes and how to catch it before it progresses. Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, and many people aren’t aware they have it until symptoms become more severe. 

Our board-certified providers at Associated Physicians Group, PLC in Berkley, Michigan, are here to help you recognize the early signs of diabetes so you can take action and consult with us for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Here are six early warning signs of diabetes to watch for. 

1. Frequent urination

Frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night, are one of the most common early signs of diabetes. When your body can’t regulate blood sugar effectively, excess glucose is filtered out by your kidneys and excreted through urine. This can be a problem because excessive urination can lead to dehydration, making you feel even more fatigued and thirsty. 

2. Unquenchable thirst 

Alongside frequent urination, another early warning sign of diabetes is feeling persistently thirsty. This happens because your body is trying to compensate for fluid loss due to excessive urination. So, if you’re constantly thirsty and can’t seem to quench your thirst no matter how much water you drink, it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong. 

3. Unexplained weight loss 

Unintentional weight loss is another warning sign to pay attention to. When your body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, it begins to break down fat and muscle instead. This can lead to muscle loss and fatigue, which can majorly affect your daily functioning. 

4. Extreme fatigue 

Additionally, diabetes can cause chronic fatigue due to your body’s inability to use glucose for energy effectively. With less energy, everyday tasks can feel exhausting. Consider the following: 

What to watch out for 

If you’re constantly tired or worn out, even after a full night’s sleep, it may be worth checking your blood sugar levels. 

Why it matters

Fatigue can impact productivity, mood, and overall quality of life, so it's crucial to understand the root cause. 

5. Blurry vision 

Believe it or not, high blood sugar levels can also affect the small blood vessels in your eyes, leading to blurry vision. This symptom may come and go, but it’s important not to ignore it. Pay close attention to sudden changes in your vision, like blurriness or difficulty focusing — untreated diabetes can lead to long-term damage to your eyesight, so early detection makes all the difference. 

6. Slow-healing cuts and infections 

Lastly, diabetes can impair your body’s healing ability, leading to slow-healing cuts, sores, or frequent infections. High blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, reducing blood flow and slowing your healing process: 

What to watch out for 

If you have cuts or bruises that take longer to heal than usual or are prone to frequent infections, it’s time to reach out to our team. 

Why it matters

Slow healing is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to complications down the road if left untreated. 

Ultimately, awareness of these early warning signs of diabetes is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. If you notice these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call us! Early intervention can make a difference in managing diabetes and preventing complications. 

This Diabetes Awareness Month, take charge of your health and call us at 248-450-0516, or use our online booking tool to request an appointment today.