Written by KURA Writer- Rylee Nelson
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that our bodies become more susceptible to as we age. It occurs when the body can’t produce its insulin or when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces (WHO, 2023). Diabetes can be managed with treatment, but it can lead to serious complications if not addressed. Understanding the symptoms and potential complications of diabetes helps with earlier diagnosis and treatment. Whether you want to learn more about diabetes or it has impacted you, this article will give you some insight.
You should consider getting your blood sugar tested by your doctor if you have one or more diabetes symptoms. The symptoms include but are not limited to increased thirst and hunger, unexpected weight loss, blurry vision, numb or tingling hands and feet, very dry skin, increased urination often at night, or slow healing sores (CDC, 2022). In addition, if diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications. These complications include heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, foot problems, oral problems, hearing loss, vision loss, and mental health problems (CDC, 2022).
With proper management, these complications can be prevented or delayed. Therefore it’s so important to be aware of possible symptoms to get diagnosed and start treatment earlier. It’s also important to regularly check your blood sugar to document it. You can live a fulfilling life with diabetes and prevent or delay complications by getting regular checkups, maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle, and receiving proper care management.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 30). Diabetes symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 3). Prevent diabetes complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/problems.html#:~:text=Common%20diabetes%20health%20complications%20include,how%20to%20improve%20overall%20health.
World Health Organization. (2023, April 3). Diabetes. World Health Organization. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes#:~:text=Diabetes%20is%20a%20chronic%20disease,hormone%20that%20regulates%20blood%20glucose.
