12 diabetes warning signs besides high blood sugar

There are other ways to tell if you're in danger of becoming diabetic.

By Georgina Berbari • February 17, 2020

Though blood sugar spikes happen to everyone, for those with diabetes, the body is unable to manage these spikes (aka there is an issue with the hormone insulin). Type 1 diabetics have a total lack of insulin while type 2 diabetics have too little insulin or their body cannot use insulin properly.

Both types of diabetes are dangerous and can lead sufferers to have twice the risk of heart attack or heart disease when compared to non-diabetics. Other complications, according to Everyday Health, are eye problems, high cholesterol, kidney disease, foot infections, skin infections, stroke, high blood pressure and cognitive decline. 

On the lookout for pre-diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control, though there are 30 million Americans who have diabetes, 25% of them don’t even know they have it. That’s why knowing the warning signs of pre-diabetes is essential.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that indicates the onset of type 1 or 2 diabetes. In pre-diabetes, there is usually high blood glucose levels — however, there is a myriad of additional symptoms that can present as red flags for the condition.

Warning signs and symptoms

Here are the diabetes warning signs and symptoms you should be on the lookout for as you age:

·         Excessive thirst and hunger

·         Inexplicable weight loss or gain

·         Frequent urination (due to urinary tract infections or kidney problems)

·         Irritability

·         Fatigue

·         Blurred vision

·         Nausea

·         Slow-healing wounds

·         Skin infections

·         Darkening of skin in body creases (acanthosis nigricans)

·         Breath that’s odor is fruity, sweet, or acetone

·         Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

If you notice these symptoms, it’s worth it to visit your doctor in order to receive urine/blood tests to find out if you have prediabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine testing for everyone starting at age 45, or younger depending on risk factors.

Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and controlling cholesterol levels are all preventative measures when it comes to avoiding a diabetes diagnosis. Getting regular health screenings to stay on track is crucial, too.

In the meantime, here are some behaviors that might be boosting your blood glucose levels, according to nutritionists.

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