Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting millions of Americans. Countless others are at a high risk for developing diabetes, or already have pre diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to manage your condition properly to avoid the risk of serious com
plications, and early detection is critical. If you experience any of the potential warning signs of diabetes, see a doctor promptly
Finding signs of diabetes in your appetite
Do you feel hungry frequently, perhaps even after eating? This could be an early indicator of type 2 diabetes. With this disease, your body cannot properly use insulin or doesn’t make enough of it. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for conducting glucose into cells so that it can be used as energy. When this mechanism fails, you become intensely hungry because your body tells your brain that it lacks energy.
People with pre diabetes also notice an increase in thirst. As the glucose builds up in your bloodstream, it causes the loss of fluids in your tissues. This triggers a feeling of thirst, which subsequently also leads to more frequent urination.
Additionally, you might notice that you have lost weight, despite not trying to lose weight or eating more than usual. This is because your body is having trouble metabolizing the glucose, so it uses fuel from your muscles and fat. You’ll lose the extra calories in your urine.
Infections and illnesses could indicate pre diabetes
Other signs of diabetes include a more frequent occurrence of illnesses and infections. Type 2 diabetes compromises your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable. You might notice that you catch colds or the flu more often. You might also end up at the doctor’s office frequently for yeast infections because the bacteria that cause these infections live off of sugar.
Furthermore, if you have any cuts or scrapes, you might notice that they’re slower to heal. Some people with pre diabetes who undergo surgery experience non-healing surgical incisions. There is also a possibility of infection. If you have a non-healing wound, surgical or otherwise, you might need medical treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgical debridement.
Other possible indicators of pre diabetes
Establish a strong, working relationship with your doctor and discuss any new symptoms you’ve noticed, no matter how insignificant they might seem at the time. Some of the other possible signs of diabetes can include:
- Blurry vision
- Numbness, pain, or tingling in the limbs, hands, or feet
- Constant fatigue
- Patches of darkened skin
- Headaches
- Loss of consciousness (diabetic coma)
Prevent problems with a diabetic meal plan
Work with a physician to develop a safe diet plan to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes. It is particularly important for diabetics and those at a high risk for diabetes to consult a doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise routine, because these activities affect blood glucose levels. Diabetics should ideally eat a well-balanced diet of lean proteins, low-fat dairy, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Refined carbohydrates, such as those in white bread and pastries, should be avoided because they spike blood glucose levels.
The physicians of The Center for Medical Weight Loss are experts in managing diabetes with diet, and help patients develop individualized diabetic meal plans that suit their needs, whether they already have diabetes or are at risk for the condition. The Centers have over 450 locations throughout the US, and are the largest network of weight loss physicians in the US. Their individually customized weight loss programs have a proven track record of success for managing diabetes through diet. For more information, you can visit centerformedicalweightloss.com.
