Diabetes is a condition or disease that develops when the body’s blood glucose, commonly referred to as blood sugar, is higher than it usually should. It’s essential because it’s the primary energy source and is primarily provided by our food consumption. Insulin, a hormone produced by our pancreas, enables the glucose sourced from food to be transferred into the cells so they can be utilized for energy.
However, there are times when the body may not produce enough insulin and cannot use them well. It then stays in the blood and fails to reach its intended destination. And over time, this can lead to potential health problems. Because of this, it’s essential to be aware of the condition’s early indicators or warning signs. With that said, here are some of the symptoms of diabetes you need to keep in mind to catch the disease early.
Excessive Thirst
One of the most common symptoms or signs of diabetes is excessive thirst. The reason is the build-up of too much glucose in the blood. As a result, the body, specifically the kidneys, tend to work much harder to absorb and filter the excessive amount of glucose. Unfortunately, in many cases, the kidneys cannot keep up, leading to the glucose being excreted into the urine, which drags along the fluids from the tissues. This ultimately leaves the person dehydrated and thirsty.
As fluid intake increases, so too does urination. And the cycle will continue, putting undue stress on your kidneys and making them burn out. It’s dangerous because this keeps fluid and waste from leaving the body and building up inside of it instead. Eventually, this results in diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, this symptom can also be a dangerous complication called DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis. Because it isn’t hard to miss, regular kidney disease screenings for those suffering from diabetes are highly recommended. In this way, the condition can be identified and addressed quickly.
