Overview
If you have two or more of these pre-Diabetes symptoms you should seriously consider getting yourself checked out:
- If you find you are excessively thirsty, not just after extreme exercise or hot weather.
- You seem to constantly have a dry mouth - even if you've just had a drink.
- You find you are having to urinate frequently.
- You have unexpected weight loss or gain (even though you may be constantly hungry and eating well. Of course you may be eating the wrong things which would probably make your pre-Diabetes symptom worse).
- You feel lethargic. You always feel as if you've got no energy; you are weak and tired all the time.
- Sometimes your vision is blurry - be careful, untreated eye problems caused through Diabetes can lead to blindness. You should have regular eye checks, especially as you get older because your eyes can be the early warning signal for many diseases not just Diabetes.
Key Information
- You have cuts or sores or bruises (especially on your feet) that are slow to heal.
- If you experience excessive itching or soreness in the genital area or yeast infections (which can be misdiagnosed as thrush) it may be a sign of too much sugar in your urine.
<b>AT RISK FACTORS:</b>
There are different types of Diabetes; pre-Diabetes, type 1, type 2, gestational and maturity onset. And, dependent upon your age, lifestyle and family history you may be more susceptible to developing Diabetes.
Foe example you may be more prone to developing Diabetes if any of these factors apply to you:
What You Need to Know
<ul><li>Your family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.</li>
<li>You have a parent, brother, or sister with Diabetes.</li>
<li>You are aged over 45 and are overweight you might be at risk of Diabetes type 2</li>
<li>You have had gestational Diabetes or have given birth to a baby over 9 pounds in weight.</li>
<li>You have high blood pressure.</li>
<li>Your cholesterol levels are not good.</li></ul>
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how is it managed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Management involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes plus oral medications or insulin.
❓ Can lifestyle changes reverse Type 2 diabetes?
For many people, significant weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular exercise can put Type 2 diabetes into remission - meaning blood sugar returns to normal without medication. This is not a cure, but sustained lifestyle change can dramatically improve outcomes and delay complications.
❓ What foods should people with diabetes limit?
People with diabetes benefit from limiting refined sugars, white bread, sugary drinks, processed foods, and high-glycaemic-index carbohydrates. Focus instead on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Portion control and consistent meal timing are equally important.
❓ How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on type and treatment. Those on insulin may check 4-10 times daily. Those managing with diet or oral medication might check once or twice daily, or less. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time data without finger-prick testing. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
❓ When should someone see a doctor about diabetes?
See a doctor if you experience unexplained thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or persistent fatigue. Those already diagnosed should have check-ups every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eye exams, and foot checks.