The Warning Signs of Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar level crosses the optimal limit, but it is not too high to be termed as diabetes. There are millions of individuals who fall into this category without even realizing it.

The warning signs of prediabetes are as:

Excessive urination

Excessive urination is one of the most common warning signs of prediabetes. Water is drawn out of the cells to aid the body in diluting the unwanted glucose from the bloodstream in case of increased sugar. Kidneys cannot reabsorb that large amount of additional fluid, and the body has to excrete it as urine. Prediabetes might be one of the reasons behind excessive urination. Excessive urination results in an increased feeling of thirst to overcome the dehydration caused by this phenomenon.

Blurred vision

Another warning sign of prediabetes that everyone must know is blurred vision. Migraines or detached retinas are usually the reasons for blurred vision, but blurred vision may also be because of high blood glucose levels. A high sugar level in the blood leads to dryness of lenses in the eye and affects their potential for focusing. If someone with a blurry vision tries to maintain his glucose level, the blurring goes away. Medical professionals advise taking a sightedness test to lessen the chances of further damage in such cases.

Slow wound healing

Slow wound healing is another warning sign that needs attention. Slow wound healing shows a raised glucose level in the blood. The high blood sugar level causes the blood to thicken and makes it difficult to flow freely throughout the body. The process of wound healing becomes slow if the proper circulation becomes hindered. That results in wounds or cuts taking a longer time to heal than required in normal conditions.

Acanthosis

Acanthosis is a skin abnormality in which there become patches of dark skin, specifically in the neck, groin, and armpit area. It is another warning sign of prediabetes. Raised insulin level causes the unusual growth of skin cells that develop skin pigmentation disorder. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose molecules go into cells and act as the major energy source. During prediabetes, insulin resistance begins in the body, which causes a buildup of both insulin and glucose in the bloodstream. The high insulin causes skin cells to divide faster than the expected rate, thus leading to the growth of dark patches on the skin. If someone notices that type of malformation on the skin, it may be a warning sign of prediabetes.

Increased hunger

If someone feels an increased hunger most of the time, even if someone eats properly, then the person might have prediabetes. The reason for hunger in prediabetes is that cells become unable to take enough glucose, and cell starvation starts. Cell starvation makes the body eat more even though there is no need to take the diet further. A person begins to overeat, and it causes the condition to worsen by raising the sugar level further.

Excessive thirst

Thirst is another warning sign to take into account that shows a person may have an elevated sugar level in the blood. Water is used in diluting the extra glucose, thus increasing the feeling of thirst to overcome dehydration. A person with prediabetes may drink a lot of water, but drinking too much water is not always an indication of prediabetes. A person with prediabetes must avoid using soda or oversweet drinks.

Increased levels of fatigue

A prediabetic patient may feel exhausted most often as increased levels of fatigue are a warning sign of prediabetes. Glucose is the major source of energy, and insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables the use of glucose. In prediabetes, a person may develop insulin resistance or his pancreas does not synthesize enough insulin. As a result, glucose cannot be used by the body as in healthy conditions, so a person feels too tired.

Mood swings

Unexplained mood swings are other warning signs of prediabetes. The mental and physical health of an individual depends upon the fulfillment of energy requirements that depend upon glucose level. If the body of a prediabetic patient develops insulin resistance, then glucose cannot enter into cells and is used. It results in feelings of stress and depression with mood swings. Keep in mind that mood swings are not always a sign of prediabetes.

Achy joints

Having achy joints is associated with arthritis or a consequence of an injury. Most people do not notice that joint pain is a symptom of prediabetes as well. It is also obvious obesity is one of the primary risk factors for diabetes. Excess body weight puts a strain on the joints which results in painful and achy feelings.

Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is the feeling of nerve-tingling sensations. It is a condition in which a nerve is damaged because of a high blood sugar level, which results in numbness in the limbs. Loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and tingling are the signs of diabetic neuropathy.

The prediabetic person must take some precautionary measures after noticing any of the mentioned warning signs of prediabetes. Maintaining blood glucose levels in the optimal range is necessary to cope with the condition of prediabetes so it may not lead to diabetes which is a more severe disorder and may result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart stroke. Prediabetes is completely reversible; the only thing is to recognize the symptoms at the proper time.

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