Do you know diabetes is rising to an alarming epidemic level?

According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Diabetes Atlas Tenth edition 2021, approximately 537 million adults are living with diabetes worldwide which means 1 in every 10 is diabetic. This number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Diabetes have caused 6.7 million deaths in 2021. Now you must have got an idea about the severity of diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Let me tell you in more simple words.

The process of digestion involves breaking down food into simpler water-soluble molecules that can be easily absorbed into the watery blood plasma. When you take carbohydrates, your body breaks this down into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key that lets the blood sugar into your body cells for use as energy. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas.

If you have diabetes: Your pancreas does not make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or makes insulin but your body doesn't respond to it (type 2 diabetes). In this case, glucose can't get into the cells of your body and remains in your bloodstream, ultimately your blood glucose level rises.

So, here are 10 diabetes symptoms that indicate you are a diabetic patient.

1. Polyuria, Frequent urination

Diabetes causes kidneys to work harder to remove excess sugar from your blood by filtering it out. It imparts more load on the kidneys. When your kidneys can't keep up, they spill excess sugar into your urine, leading to frequent urination. This diabetes symptom involves the need to urinate more frequently than usual, particularly at night.

2. Polydipsia, or Excessive thirst

It is one of the first diabetes symptoms that occur if you might have diabetes. Frequent urination causes loss of water from the body leading to dehydration and you feel more thirsty.

3. Fatigue and weakness

Fatigue and weakness is a common problem experienced by diabetic patients and is likely to reduce their ability to perform daily activities. Insufficient fuel for energy can leave you feeling exhausted.

4. Blurry vision

The high blood sugar levels in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, and you may experience poor vision in one or both eyes. This diabetes symptom can become more severe and may also cause permanent vision loss if a person with diabetes doesn't go for treatment.

5. Constant hunger

In Diabetes, when the blood glucose levels remain abnormally high, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells due to either lack of insulin or insulin resistance so your body doesn't get enough energy from the food that you eat. Therefore, people with type 2 diabetes often feel hungry all the time.

6. Slow healing of cuts and wounds

High blood glucose levels can damage the body's nerves and blood vessels, which can impair blood circulation. Due to this, proper nutrients and oxygen do not reach cuts and wounds for the healing process. As a result, this diabetes symptom can take longer time than usual to heal and increases the risk of infection.

7. Itching and yeast infections

Excess sugar in the bloodstream and urine provides food for yeast and bacteria which can lead to infection. These yeast infections occur mostly in moist areas of the skin, such as the mouth, armpits and genital areas. This diabetes symptom is mostly seen in women with diabetes. They often experience Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

8. Dark skin patches

In this diabetes symptom, dark patches occur on the skin mostly on the creases of the neck, armpit or groin. These are very soft and velvety in texture. This condition is also known as acanthosis nigricans.

9. Unexplained weight loss

In diabetes, glucose remains in your bloodstream instead of getting converted into energy, your body is not able to utilize it for energy, as a result, it starts burning fat and muscles for energy. Therefore, results in unexplained weight loss.

10. Tingling and numbness of hands and feet

In this diabetes symptom, there is a significant impact on nerves due to high blood glucose levels. This damage can start with feelings of tingling or numbness and can escalate to pain or neuropathy over time.

So, these were some diabetes symptoms that indicate if you are a diabetic patient. Don't take diabetes lightly, it's a life-changing condition. It may have a severe impact. Your health should be your topmost priority. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate physical activity in your daily routine, drink safe water, take a healthy diet, and go for a routine checkup. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.