5 Early warning signs of diabetes

1. Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can signal underlying diabetes. For those that consume large amounts of water, the need to go can be frequent, as much as once an hour for heavy water drinkers. However, if you are constantly needing to go, even at night when not consuming water, this could be a warning of underlying issues.

2. You Feel Thirsty More Often Than Usual

As you urinate more, you’ll feel more dehydrated, and that makes you want to drink more liquids. Some people also feel hungrier than usual.

3. You Develop Sores That Tend to Heal More Slowly Than Usual

Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and other wounds heal more slowly in the presence of uncontrolled blood sugar, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes causes nerve damage and affects circulation, especially in the lower legs and feet, which can delay healing because there isn’t enough blood flow to the area. Even minor wounds are more prone to infections, which can become very serious and even result in amputations of the foot.

4. Weight Loss

If you have diabetes, your body isn’t able to use glucose (sugar) as effectively for its energy. Instead, your body will start burning fat stores, and you may experience unexpected weight loss.

5. Blurry Vision

An excess of sugar in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, which can cause blurry vision. This blurry vision can occur in one or both of the eyes and may come and go.

If a person with diabetes goes without treatment, the damage to these blood vessels can become more severe, and permanent vision loss may eventually occur.