Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar. Normally, the body breaks down food into glucose, which is then used for energy. However, in people with diabetes, the body either can’t produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps glucose enter cells) or can’t use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy.
Over time, this can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. People with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels carefully and take steps to keep them under control. With proper treatment, however, many people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
The 6 Early Signs of Diabetes
- Increased urination
Increased urination is one of the early signs of diabetes. When sugar levels in the blood are high, the body tries to eliminate the excess sugar through urine. As a result, people with diabetes may need to urinate more frequently than usual.
Other early signs include increased thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor for a diagnosis. With early treatment, diabetes can be managed effectively and complications can be avoided.
- Drastic weight loss
Drastic weight loss is often one of the early signs of diabetes. While it can be caused by several factors, such as stress or changes in diet, it is often one of the first warning signs that something is wrong. If you have lost a significant amount of weight without changing your diet or lifestyle, it is important to see a doctor.
Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to many other health problems, so early detection is essential. While weight loss can be a difficult symptom to deal with, it is important to remember that it could be a sign of something much more serious. If you are experiencing any unexplained weight loss, please see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Tirelessness for people with Diabetes
Tirelessness is one of the early signs. The body’s cells cannot absorb glucose properly, so the body must work harder to convert food into energy. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep. You must speak to your doctor if you are experiencing unusual tiredness levels. They can run tests to check for diabetes and other potential causes. Early diagnosis and treatment make it possible to manage diabetes and enjoy a good quality of life.
- Weakened and blurry vision
Weakened and blurry vision is one of the early signs of diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body cannot properly process sugar, which can lead to a build-up of sugar in your blood. This build-up can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, causing them to leak fluids and become swollen.
As a result, your vision may become blurred or somewhat distorted. If you notice any changes in your vision, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. With early treatment, it’s often possible to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic eye disease.
- Excessive thirst for people with Diabetes
Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are essential to prevent complications. One early sign is excessive thirst. This happens when the body cannot regulate fluid levels properly. As a result, people with diabetes may find themselves constantly thirsty, even after drinking fluids.
- Dry, flaky skin
Dry, flaky skin is one of the many signs of diabetes. When your body cannot produce enough insulin, it can cause a build-up of sugar in your blood. This excess sugar starts pulling fluid from your tissues, including your skin. As a result, your skin can become dry, thin, and more susceptible to damage.
If you notice that your skin is dry and flaky, it’s important to see a doctor so they can test for diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Getting treatment early can help prevent these complications and live a healthy life.
The Humana-EPIC Program at BCOM
To better support improvements in patient health and health outcomes, Broward Community & Family Health Center has incorporated social determinants of health screening into the organization’s health center practice and intervenes with appropriate resources. BCOM will focus on improvement in patient health through the following three interventions:
- Food Insecurity: Focus on improving patient food security through enrollment in SNAP.
- Chronic Disease: Focus on improving patient diabetes and hypertension diagnosis through incentive purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Social Isolation: Focus on decreasing patient isolation through participation in the health center and non-health center events.
