Diabetes is at record levels in the United States. Almost 34 million Americans – just over 10.5% of the population – suffer from the body’s inability to properly process blood sugar. The ubiquity of the condition may make it seem like it’s no big deal, but nothing could be further from the truth: Untreated diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body and lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness, and even amputation.
Type 1 diabetes tends to develop in childhood and it is unclear whether it can be prevented. However, the American diabetes epidemic is triggered by Type 2, which generally develops in adulthood due to preventable unhealthy habits such as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. We interviewed two experts from Harvard Medical School (and contributors to) the new documentary Better) How to spot the subtle signs that you may have diabetes. Read on to learn more and to help ensure your health and the health of others. Don’t miss this one Sure signs you had COVID and didn’t know it.
Shutterstock
People should be screened for diabetes first at 45 years of age, and every three years thereafter, he says JoAnn Manson, MD, DrPH, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Senior Consultant in Preventive Medicine at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. According to the CDC, being over 45 is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Shutterstock
If you have obesity, screening should start earlier than 45 years old, says Manson. According to the CDC, being overweight or obese are both risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
Shutterstock
While being overweight is a risk factor for diabetes, losing weight over a period of time without trying can be a subtle sign of the condition. “With diabetes, people can initially lose weight without knowing they are in the middle of their blood sugar spiraling out of control,” says John Ratey, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. A friend of Ratey lost 20 pounds six months before he was diagnosed – his blood sugar levels were three times what they were in the hospital before medication, diet, and exercise brought him back under control.
Shutterstock
“What people often notice is that they urinate more often or are more thirsty than usual,” says Manson. This is because excess blood sugar (glucose) is given to the kidneys, who work overtime to flush it out, resulting in frequent urination. Meanwhile, the excess blood sugar draws electrolytes and fluids from tissues and organs, causing dehydration and thirst.
Shutterstock
“Sometimes someone with diabetes develops a little blurred vision,” says Manson. “In fact, it’s not uncommon for the ophthalmologist to notice signs of diabetes, especially in someone who doesn’t have regular blood sugar tests.”
iStock
“Sometimes people have what we call paresthesia or neuropathy – tingling or changes in feeling in the nerve endings, especially in the hands and feet,” says Manson. “This can also be a sign of high blood sugar.”
Shutterstock
Persistent fatigue is also a common sign of diabetes, according to Ratey. If you got enough sleep and your lifestyle hasn’t changed, but you don’t have the energy to go through your day normally, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor. Don’t Miss Out On These 16 “Health Tips” To Help Ensure Your Health And The Health Of Others.
