10 Sneaky Signs You Might Have Prediabetes (Borderline Diabetes)
Prediabetes is a medical term for borderline diabetes. It is a wake-up call, but it’s one that many people miss. It’s a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, though not high enough yet to be diagnosed as full-blown type 2 diabetes. The good news is that prediabetes is often reversible with lifestyle changes. However, it’s easy to miss the subtle signs because they develop gradually.
Hence, recognizing the signs early can make all the difference, allowing you to make lifestyle changes that may prevent or delay diabetes. Here, we’ll discuss ten subtle signs that might suggest you have prediabetes.
1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
Are you finding yourself reaching for a water bottle more often than usual? High blood sugar levels can pull fluid from your tissues, leaving you thirsty. Consequently, you may notice that you’re using the restroom more often, especially at night.
2. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired can be another indicator. If your body can’t use insulin properly to help glucose enter your cells, your energy levels can plummet, making you feel exhausted for no apparent reason.
3. Blurred Vision
A lesser-known fact is that high blood sugar can also affect your vision. It may cause the lens of your eye to swell, leading to temporary blurring of your sight. So, if your vision seems off lately without a clear cause, it might be time to check your blood sugar levels.
4. Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds
Have you noticed that scrapes or cuts are taking longer to heal than they used to? High sugar levels in your blood can impact your body’s natural healing process and fight off infections, leading to slower recovery from wounds.
5. Tingling, Numbness, or Pain in Hands or Feet
High blood sugar over time can cause nerve damage, known as neuropathy. This may start as tingling, numbness, or pain in your extremities. It’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore, as it can lead to more severe complications.
6. Darkened Skin in Certain Areas
Watch out for patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of your body, particularly around the neck and armpits. This condition, known as acanthosis nigricans, is linked to insulin resistance, a hallmark of prediabetes.
7. Frequent Infections
If you’re experiencing more infections than usual, such as urinary, skin, or gum infections, this could be a sign of prediabetes. Elevated glucose levels can weaken your body’s defense system, making you more susceptible to infections.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
Unexpected weight changes can be a symptom. Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, while the inability to absorb glucose properly might result in weight loss.
9. Increased Hunger
Even after eating, you might find yourself hungry if your body isn’t managing insulin and glucose efficiently. This can lead to a cycle of constant hunger and overeating despite having enough energy stores.
10. Irritability and Mood Changes
Lastly, don’t overlook emotional signs. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can impact your mood, leading to feelings of irritability and depression without an obvious cause.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice any of these signs, particularly if more than one applies to you or if you have a family history of diabetes, speak to a healthcare provider. They can conduct a simple blood sugar test to check for prediabetes.
Keep in mind that identifying prediabetes early gives you a golden opportunity to reverse course before it progresses to type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes like improving your diet, increasing physical activity, and losing excess weight can significantly lower your blood sugar levels and enhance your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can prediabetes be reversed?
Yes, with the right lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can reverse prediabetes and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How often should I get tested for prediabetes?
It’s generally recommended to get tested for prediabetes if you’re overweight and have one or more additional risk factors for diabetes or if you’re age 45 or older. If you’re at high risk, annual testing may be advised.
Is prediabetes common?
Prediabetes is very common. In fact, it affects millions of people worldwide. Many people don’t know they have it because the symptoms can be subtle or non-existent. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risk factors and get tested if you’re at risk.
