Dr. Donald Grant, the senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in preventing further health issues in people with diabetes. Though diabetes is an incurable lifelong condition, timely detection allows patients to manage their medical needs and avoid serious complications.
Detecting diabetes can be difficult, as many remain unaware of their condition until a health problem occurs. Thus, Dr. Grant highlighted the need to recognize and address four key warning signs that could indicate the early onset of diabetes.
Dr. Grant, the senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, cautioned that frequent urination, known as polyuria, could be an early indicator of diabetes. The body uses polyuria to expel excess glucose accumulating from diabetes. However, he noted that changes in bathroom habits and bowel movements could signal various health issues. Dr. Grant advised against self-diagnosis based solely on this symptom and recommended that people consider lifestyle factors when evaluating their urine frequency.
4. Other symptoms
Dr. Grant pointed out that erectile dysfunction, yeast infections, and severe headaches can also serve as less recognized signs of diabetes. However, he cautioned against self-diagnosis due to the overlap of symptoms with many other common health conditions. Dr. Grant recommended that individuals seek medical advice if they experience any of these symptoms.
3. Increased appetite or thirst
Dr. Grant observed that heightened thirst could be linked to increased urination, as the body attempts to replenish lost fluids. Additionally, disrupted insulin function may prompt individuals to seek more glucose from their diet to compensate for energy conversion deficits. Alongside other early indicators, these symptoms could suggest diabetes and warrant serious attention. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
2. Sudden dramatic weight loss
When the body fails to produce or utilize insulin effectively, it turns to breaking down muscle and fat for energy, resulting in noticeable weight loss. Increased urination further contributes to fluid loss. Dr. Grant highlighted the importance of seeking medical advice if someone experiences sudden and unexplained weight loss, as it may indicate underlying health issues.
1. Blurry vision
Dr. Grant explained that diabetes can severely affect the eyes and may result in complications such as diabetic retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged due to elevated blood sugar levels.
As a result, individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of experiencing vision issues like blurred vision, distortion, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. It’s crucial for diabetics to undergo regular eye examinations and seek prompt medical help if they notice any changes in their vision or feel any discomfort.