Like many chronic illnesses, diabetes can go undetected for a long time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020, of the 32.2 million people in the U.S. who have the disease, 7.3 million are undiagnosed. You may be wondering if you are among that number.
Finger stick to test glucose level
Diabetes occurs when your pancreas, the organ that makes insulin, either doesn’t make enough or doesn’t make any. The best way to know if you have diabetes is to be screened by your doctor. But meanwhile, there are certain signs and symptoms that can alert you to the fact that you may have diabetes:
- Frequent urination -This is because your kidneys are working harder to process extra sugar in your urine. The color of the urine you produce if you’ve got diabetes is usually clear or very lightly colored.
- Excessive thirst – As you urinate more you will get more thirsty. Some people also feel hungrier than usual.
- Flu-like symptoms and tiredness – This is because your cells are not getting enough glucose for energy.
- Unintentional weight loss – This is also a result of your body not using insulin to process glucose properly, so your body begins to draw on its store of muscle and fat for energy.
- Occasional blurred vision – a sign of diabetic retinopathy. You should see your eye doctor if you are experiencing blurred vision.
- Frequent urinary tract, yeast or vaginal infections- See your OB-GYN
- Erectile dysfunction – a possible sign on diabetes
- Slow healing – if cuts and bruises seem to take longer to heal, that could be a sign of diabetes.
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can send your life into a tailspin. It can leave you feeling alone and overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to. Join my type 2 diabetes network group and get the help and support you need.
