According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is estimated that 37 million people in this country have diabetes, and another 96 million have prediabetes. Therefore, many people are at risk of serious health problems if they don’t take steps to manage their diabetes.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body processes glucose or sugar. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is the main source of energy for your cells. Typically, your pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream after you eat. Insulin helps glucose move from your blood into your cells to be used as energy. But if you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. This means that an influx of sugar stays in your blood, which can lead to serious health problems over time.
In this blog post, Quality Care ER will discuss the top signs and symptoms of diabetes so that you can be aware of them and seek immediate medical care when you need it. We will also discuss the importance of a healthy diet in managing diabetes.
What Are the Top Diabetes Symptoms?
The top symptoms of diabetes are:
Increased Thirst or Hunger
If you find yourself getting unusually thirsty or needing to drink more water than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes. This increased thirst is caused by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to dehydration.
Along with increased thirst, you may also find yourself feeling hungrier than usual. This is because your cells are not getting the energy they need from the sugar in your blood, so they are trying to signal your brain that you need more food.
Frequent Urination
Do you find yourself going to the bathroom more than usual? Frequent urination is also a sign of diabetes. This is because high sugar levels in your blood can cause increased urination as your body tries to eliminate the excess sugar. If you are excessively urinating, it’s best to seek immediate medical care from one of our trained professionals at Quality Care ER.
Fatigue
Another sign of diabetes is fatigue. While feeling tired can be related to stress or working, it can also be a symptom of diabetes. Constantly feeling tired, even after a good night’s sleep, means your body might not be getting the energy it needs from the sugar in your blood. If you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and shaking, immediate medical care is required.
Blurry Vision
If you find that your vision is becoming blurry, it could be a sign of diabetes. This is caused by high sugar levels in your blood, which can affect the shape of your eye’s lens. When your eye lens swells, it can result in blurred vision. However, once your blood sugar levels are balanced, your vision typically goes back to normal. If your vision is blurred, contact Quality Care ER right away.
Slow-Healing Wounds
Cuts and bruises taking longer than usual to heal are also signs of diabetes. High sugar levels in your blood can damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your wound, slowing down the healing process.
How to Manage Diabetes
Eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight helps to control blood sugar levels and prevent some of the complications of diabetes. It would also help to speak with your doctor about a meal and exercise plan to manage diabetes. To properly manage your diabetes, it’s essential to be aware of what affects your blood sugar levels. Be sure to take the proper medication prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, frequent urination, or slow-healing wounds, you’re not alone. Quality Care ER offers immediate treatment for your needs. Contact us today at (903) 417-0886.
