Don't Let Diabetes Sneak Up on You: Recognize These 6 Early Signs

Often described as the “silent” disease, many people don’t realize they have diabetes until it’s advanced. That’s why catching it early can make a big difference in managing the condition and preventing complications down the line. 

As the number of people with diabetes continues to rise, dedicated physician Nizar Tejani, MD, MPH, is committed to offering top-notch individualized diabetes care and management at his practice in Stockbridge, Georgia. With his expert guidance, you’ll receive personalized treatment options to help you live the healthy, fulfilling life you deserve. 

In the meantime, here are the six early warning signs of diabetes to watch out for, so you can take action before it sneaks up on you.

1. Frequent urination 

One of the earliest signs of diabetes to look out for is needing to urinate more often than normal. This happens because high blood sugar levels cause your kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose. When your kidneys can’t keep up, the extra sugar gets flushed out through urine, which is where increased urination at night and always feeling the need to go comes from.

2. Excessive thirst 

Along with frequent urination, excessive thirst is another early sign of diabetes. When your body is losing more fluids through frequent urination, it tries to replace what it’s lost. This leads to constant thirst and symptoms like dry mouth after drinking, craving water more than usual, and never feeling fully hydrated no matter how much you drink.

3. Unexplained weight loss 

With diabetes, your body doesn’t properly use glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down muscle and fat instead. You may notice: 

• Rapid or steady weight loss without diet or exercise
• Feeling tired and weak
• Increased appetite with no weight gain 

Although losing weight without trying can seem like a blessing, it’s often a sign of something more serious.

4. Fatigue and irritability 

When your blood sugar is high, your body can’t efficiently convert it into energy. This lack of usable energy can leave you feeling super drained. Additionally, fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause irritability and mood swings. You might notice that you’re struggling to concentrate and feel “foggy” or more on edge than usual. 

5. Blurry vision  

High blood sugar levels can also lead to temporary changes in your vision. This happens because excess sugar can cause the lens of your eye to swell, leading to blurry or distorted sight. Look out for the following symptoms:

• Difficulty focusing on objects near and far
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription
• Sudden bouts of blurry vision that come and go

It’s important not to overlook any symptoms or early signs that affect your eyes. 

6. Slow-healing sores or frequent infections   

Last but not least, high blood sugar levels can also impair your body’s ability to heal itself. This means cuts and bruises may take longer to heal than they did before. You might also notice that you’re more prone to infections, especially in areas like your gums, skin, or urinary tract. Pay special attention to signs like cuts or sores taking weeks to heal, frequent skin infections, and recurring UTIs.

If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in managing diabetes and preventing complications so you can live a happy, healthy life.

Don’t let diabetes sneak up on you — call the office of Nizar A Tejani, MD PC at 770-507-9929 or use the online booking tool to set up an appointment with Dr. Tejani today!