Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions worldwide, affecting both men and women of all ages. It occurs when the body either fails to produce enough insulin or becomes less sensitive to it, resulting in poor blood sugar regulation.
Although diabetes is primarily influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and diet, early detection is crucial, as it can be managed effectively. Sadly, the first symptoms of diabetes are often vague and attributed to trivial, common problems.
However, there may be no significant differences in the warning signs experienced by both men and women; subtle differences in presentation can lead to a missed diagnosis in women. You can avoid long-term problems such as kidney damage, heart disease, vision problems, and nerve problems by knowing what symptoms to watch for — and acting quickly.
People have been living with escalated sugar levels for years, damaging their organs silently, and then when they consult a doctor, and blood tests are conducted, there are high chances of catching the problem. Diagnosing diabetes as early as possible, whether Type 1 or Type 2, is essential.
Five symptoms of diabetes one must not ignore
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Chronic fatigue: Another commonly ignored symptom is chronic tiredness. Insulin helps convert sugar into energy, and without this function, sugar cannot be utilized. The cells, therefore, become weak. While men can experience a loss of endurance in physical exercise, women usually experience mental fatigue, report difficulty focusing, depression, and so on. Constant tiredness is one of the first signs that blood glucose control is breaking down.
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Excessive thirst and frequent urination: These two symptoms may occur when blood sugar levels are elevated, requiring the kidneys to filter and excrete the excess sugar. This causes frequent urination, which in turn leads to thirst. If you are waking up several times in the night to urinate or are always thirsty even after drinking water, it is a warning sign. Men often notice this symptom, but women attribute it to bladder or hormonal problems.
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Slow-healing wounds and frequent infections: Because diabetes inhibits blood flow and impairs immune function, wounds (cuts, scrapes, or sores) can become chronic in their resolution. Most men will develop chronic skin infections or foot ulcers, and most women will have recurrent urinary tract or yeast infections. These problems indicate that the body’s repair mechanisms are impaired due to elevated blood sugar levels.
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Unexplained weight loss: Fast weight loss, even without changes in diet or exercise, can happen for some, particularly those with Type 1 diabetes. Since glucose does not enter cells effectively, the body begins to break down fat and muscle, utilizing them as an energy source. Any weight change that cannot be explained by diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors should always be evaluated by a doctor.
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Blurred vision: When blood sugar levels are high, the lens of the eye can draw in extra water through osmosis, changing its curvature and making it difficult to focus. What men notice is the inability to read fine print, and women sometimes find their vision changing throughout the day. If changes in the blood vessels are not treated, they can turn into more severe forms of diabetic eye disease.
Preventing Diabetes:
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Reduce intake of saturated fats and trans fats, practice clean eating, and eat home-cooked, fresh food.
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Include healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and oily fish.
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Practice activities that help reduce stress like yoga or meditation.
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Visit your doctor regularly for screenings and to monitor any existing conditions.
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Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active throughout the day is essential for promoting overall well-being.
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Take short breaks to stand or walk around to break up long periods of sitting.
Prevention is always better than finding a cure, therefore, be aware of the symptoms of diabetes and ensure you have a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
