What Are The 10 Warning Signs Of Diabetes In Indians?

Approximately 136 million people in India are considered prediabetic. This is a staggering number, considering it’s about 15.5% of the total population. People with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. Many people fail to see the signs and tend to develop serious problems like heart and brain disease along with type 2 diabetes, making India the diabetes capital of the world.

However, not all hope is lost. Diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes, given you recognise the signs early and get the help you need. In this blog, we will help you recognise the 10 early warning signs of diabetes.

1. Excessive Thirst

Feeling thirsty even after drinking multiple glasses of water is not normal. Diabetes elevates your blood sugar levels, which requires more water absorption by the kidneys to process it. This leaves your body dehydrated even after drinking loads of water, causing excessive thirst. This cycle results in a continual urge to drink water throughout the day, especially in hot climates like India. If you find yourself waking up at night just to drink water or feeling parched without reason, it’s time to pay attention.

2. Frequent Urination

A direct result of our last point, drinking a lot of water and an overworked kidney increases the urge to urinate throughout the day. The kidneys strive to eliminate excess sugar by increasing urine output. As a result, individuals may find themselves visiting the bathroom more often, especially at night. This symptom is significant because it not only disrupts daily routines but also worsens dehydration. This causes a cycle of drinking water and frequenting the bathroom.

3. Constant Fatigue

If you always feel tired and lethargic despite 7 to 8 hours of good sleep and eating a full meal, you may be diabetic. The underlying issue is inefficient glucose metabolism. Your cells can’t access enough energy due to insulin resistance. In some cases, the pancreas can lower the production of insulin, hindering glucose absorption. If you have a desk job or don’t get enough sleep, the symptoms can get much worse. Over time, this leads to low energy reserves, tiredness after meals, and overall lethargy, even during routine activities.

4. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is due to altered lens shape due to swelling .This is one of the symptoms of uncontrolled Diabetes. Damage to the retina happens after long standing uncontrolled Diabetes i.e. ”Diabetic Retinopathy”. Many Indians attribute vision problems to age or eye strain, but recurring blurriness should prompt a diabetes screening. Untreated, this can lead to worsening eye health and complications.

5. Slow-Healing Wounds

People with diabetes can tell you how minor cuts, bruises, or injuries heal more slowly than expected. This is due to glucose imbalance and improper blood circulation. Poor circulation and possible nerve damage are minor symptoms of diabetes that are to blame. If wounds routinely take weeks to heal or infections keep coming back, seek medical advice to rule out diabetes. Monitoring healing times is crucial, especially for people prone to skin injuries.

6. Unexplained Weight Changes

Both sudden weight loss and stubborn weight gain are early warning signs. When cells cannot use glucose effectively, the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy, leading to weight loss. Conversely, insulin resistance can cause weight gain, most commonly as abdominal fat. A change in body weight, despite normal eating and activity, warrants a blood sugar check.

7. Numbness and Lack Of Sensitivity

Elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. This is commonly known as diabetic neuropathy. Indians may dismiss this as poor posture or fatigue, but if symptoms persist, they could signal nerve damage from diabetes. If you have numb fingers after waking up or feel a tingling sensation in your feet after sitting, you may have insulin resistance.

8. Dark Patches on Skin

Being diabetic can lead to a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans lead to the development of dark, velvety patches on the skin, most commonly seen around the neck, armpits, groin or knuckles. Acanthosis Nigrans is a sign of prediabetes and insulin resistance. In its presence always check for Diabetes. For many Indians, these patches are mistaken for tanning or skin disorders. However, their sudden appearance or persistence after exfoliation and cream usage should prompt a diabetes evaluation. These are mostly caused by insulin resistance, a common sign of diabetes.

9. Frequent Infections and Illness

The immune system weakens as blood sugar rises, making you prone to urinary tract infections, skin infections, and fungal infections. Recurring illness, especially if it affects similar areas of the body like the skin or the genital tract, can be a clue of underlying diabetes. If you notice repeat infections, consult your doctor promptly.

10. Increased Hunger

Some individuals with diabetes experience excessive hunger, even after eating regular meals. This is because the body, unable to use sugar properly, sends signals to eat more in order to compensate. Persistent hunger, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should not be overlooked. Eating more calories than required, especially on an Indian, carb-heavy diet, can worsen diabetes. Tracking eating habits and discussing changes with a healthcare professional may help diagnose and treat diabetes early.

Diabetes drastically decreases a person’s quality of life and life expectancy. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact a diabetologist near you at the earliest.

Conclusion

When you are diabetic, your body gives a number of warning signs to fix your diet, sleep, and lifestyle. These signs tell you that your body is struggling to manage blood sugar. Early symptoms, though subtle, should never be ignored, as they offer a valuable opportunity to take charge before progressing to full-fledged diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medical screening, can halt or even reverse the risk. By staying alert to warning signs, you can greatly improve your future health.

Book a consultation with Rohit Diabetes Centre, your complete diabetes solution in Andheri, today!