The first signs of diabetes are reduction in weight that is caused by the excessive loss of fluids and a sudden reduction in body weight that is caused by the loss of accumulated fats. This weight reduction takes place as the body becomes unable to break down the carbohydrates of the food. Other beginning signs of diabetes are recurrent urge to urinate, excessive thirst, and numbness of extremities, vision disturbance, genital itching, recurrent skin infections and irregular cycles of periods in women.
The major dilemma of the disease is that around 50% diabetics remain undiagnosed for few years until the increased blood glucose levels are detected in urine or blood sample during the routine medical test.
Elevated blood glucose levels for a long period of time results in kidney failure, nerve damage and restricted flow of blood towards extremities. Diabetes is linked with the coronary heart related ailments. The risk is two folds more in men. The risk of stroke is further increased 3 to 4 folds if initial signs of diabetes are ignored. Untreated diabetes leads to diabetic coma or even death in some cases.
Incidents of diabetic coma and death were even more common before the invention of insulin. Insulin was discovered in 1921; thus putting a stop at untreated diabetic deaths. The researches have revealed that the rate of stillbirth is far less than it was before the invention of insulin. Further the prenatal mortality rate which is the total of death in the first 4 weeks and the still birth has also been reduced. The babies of geonal diabetic mothers tend to be larger; thus have an increased risk of suffering from diabetes related complications like hypoglycemia and breathing problems.
It is important for every one to listen to his body; so that the warning signs of diabetes can be detected at its earliest. The early detection is the only thing that helps in timely management and control of the diabetic condition. The first signs of diabetes initially look harmless but if they are not taken seriously they may always lead to bigger health related complications.
Following are some other first signs of diabetes
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Hunger after eating
Blurriness in vision
Numbness in extremities
Recurrent infection
Slow healing wounds
Impotency in men
Irregular period cycles in women
Depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Recurrent yeast infection
So it is important to listen to the body and go for a regular diabetes screening test especially if someone is at an increased risk of suffering from diabetes.