Detecting Diabetes: 9 Proven Symptoms to Watch Out For

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that is caused by insulin resistance. Resistance to insulin is caused by the over-consumption of high-carbohydrate foods that cause insulin levels to spike chronically. As insulin resistance worsens the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells begin to wear out. Over time the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the cell’s resistance. This leads to high blood glucose levels eventually leading to type 2 diabetes. Below are the 9 symptoms to watch out for that could aid in detecting diabetes.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes:

1. Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly
2. Fatigue
3. Hunger
4. Increased thirst
5. Increased urination
6. Blurred vision
7. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
8. Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck.
9. Unintended weight loss.

Risk Factors of Diabetes

Some people are more likely to develop diabetes than others. Risk factors of diabetes include:

• Weight – being overweight or obese greatly increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Fat Distribution – Excess abdominal fat causes insulin resistance¹ – a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Men with a waist circumference over 40 inches and women with a waist circumference over 35 inches have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Age – After age 45 the likelihood of developing diabetes increases²
• Inactivity – Physically active allows your body to use ingested glucose as energy, reducing your risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Physical activity also helps control weight and build muscle. Muscle tissue burns more glucose than fat thus reducing the risk for insulin resistance.
• Genetics – Individuals with a family history of diabetes are more prone to insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes.

How to Begin Detecting Diabetes

If you’re having any of these signs or symptoms it may be time to see a doctor. Ask your doctor to run a Hemoglobin A1C blood test. An A1C test measures your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. You may also want to ask your doctor for a lipid panel to look at your triglyceride levels. A triglyceride is an ester derived from glycerol and 3 fatty acids. Elevated triglyceride levels indicate an overabundance of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream. This is the result of consuming excessive carbohydrates that your body cannot use.

These two tests are integral in detecting diabetes. Remember to always consult with a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health.

How To Prevent Diabetes

A healthy lifestyle can prevent diabetes. There are only a few risk factors, such as age and genetics, that you cannot control. The best way to prevent diabetes is through diet and exercise. Eating a low carbohydrate diet³ reduces insulin spikes that make pancreatic cells resistant to insulin. Increased physical activity helps prevent diabetes in 3 major ways. It helps maintain a healthy body weight, decreases excess abdominal fat, and builds muscle that helps burn excess glucose⁴. Ultimately, your lifestyle determines whether or not you develop type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity and healthy eating can indeed be hard. However, keep in mind that living with type 2 diabetes and all associated complications⁵ is also hard. This is an area in which you have to choose your hard.

Detecting Diabetes Guidance

Navigating the path of diabetes can be daunting, but remember, you’re not alone. The dedicated team at Human Health Co. is committed to accompanying you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking information on detecting diabetes or working towards controlled blood sugar levels, we’re here to equip you with comprehensive research and insights.

Given the intricacies of diabetes, we strongly advise consulting with your physician. Whether you’re at the early stages of detection or actively pursuing remission, your doctor’s guidance ensures that you make informed decisions tailored to your health needs. Let us be your partners in the journey to better health.

Supporting Research

1. Klein S, Gastaldelli A, Yki-Järvinen H, Scherer PE. Why does obesity cause diabetes? Cell Metab. 2022 Jan 4;34(1):11-20. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.12.012. PMID: 34986330; PMCID: PMC8740746. ↩︎
2. Yan Z, Cai M, Han X, Chen Q, Lu H. The Interaction Between Age and Risk Factors for Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2023 Jan 11;16:85-93. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S390857. PMID: 36760587; PMCID: PMC9843502. ↩︎
3. Human Health Co. (2024, May 8). The meat of the matter: Understanding the carnivore diet. Humanhealthco.com. https://humanhealthco.com/the-meat-of-the-matter-understanding-the-carnivore-diet/ ↩︎
4. Merz KE, Thurmond DC. Role of Skeletal Muscle in Insulin Resistance and Glucose Uptake. Compr Physiol. 2020 Jul 8;10(3):785-809. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c190029. PMID: 32940941; PMCID: PMC8074531. ↩︎
5. Human Health Co. (2024, August 12). Understanding the silent killer: A revolutionary guide to hypertension. Humanhealthco.com. https://humanhealthco.com/understanding-the-silent-killer-a-revolutionary-guide-to-hypertension/ ↩︎