Silent Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore
January 31, 2025
Managing blood sugar levels is more challenging than it seems. Diabetes is not just about avoiding certain foods – it’s a complex and potentially dangerous disease. Unfortunately, many people overlook its early warning signs, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Diabetes affects nearly 39 million people in the United States, with an estimated 8.7 million being undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association. The CDC also estimates that 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes – blood sugar levels that are considered higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 Diabetes.
The impact of diabetes goes beyond physical health, influencing mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs early and making proactive lifestyle changes can make a world of difference in preventing or managing the disease. With the right resources and support, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of long term complications.
Knowing the silent symptoms of diabetes is important and can also help save your life. Some common signs of diabetes are as follows:
1. Unusual Thirst
Constantly feeling thirsty, even after drinking plenty of water, is one of the earliest signs of diabetes. Persistent, excessive thirst warrants a visit to your doctor.
2. Frequent Urination
While drinking more water naturally increases bathroom visits, high blood sugar levels can also lead to frequent urination due to increased urine production.
3. Fatigue
Feeling exhausted even after adequate rest? Diabetes can disrupt the circulation of glucose and oxygen, leaving your cells undernourished and your body feeling tired.
4. Thrush
Excess sugar in the blood increases the risk of yeast infections of the mouth and genitals. While relatively common, these infections can be very uncomfortable and may return regularly with diabetes.
5. Blurry Vision
Blurry vision could be an early warning sign of diabetes. High blood sugar can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell, making it harder to focus. Left untreated, this can lead to vision loss or even blindness.
6. Slow Healing Wounds
Cuts and wounds that take longer to heal could signal diabetes. High blood sugar impairs the immune system and circulation, increasing the risk of infection and slowing down recovery.
7. Increased Appetite
An unusual increase in hunger could indicate diabetes. This isn’t just a lack of self-control – it’s your body’s way of signaling an issue with glucose regulation.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
Diabetes can cause sudden weight loss as the body breaks down muscle protein for energy instead of using glucose. The kidneys also work overtime to expel excess glucose, which can lead to weight loss.
9. Skin Problems
Darkened spots, rashes and itchy skin could be your body’s way of signaling diabetes. Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes can cause a condition called acanthosis nigricans – dark patches in areas like the armpits, neck and groin. These changes are often easy to spot and should prompt a doctor’s visit.
10. Numbness and Tingling
High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage, causing numbness, tingling or pain in the hands and feet. If left untreated, this can progress to more severe complications.
11. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes due to damage to small blood vessels and nerves. If you notice a sudden change in your hearing, it’s worth checking out.
12. Bleeding Gums
High blood sugar fosters bacterial growth, which can lead to red, swollen and bleeding gums. If your toothbrush reveals blood, consult both a dentist and a doctor.
13. Perspiration Issues
Sweating more than usual (even while resting) or not sweating at all can be a sign of diabetes. Either extreme is cause for concern and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
14. Dry Mouth
High blood sugar levels can cause a persistent dry mouth, leading to sores and discomfort. Combined with bleeding gums and yeast infections, this is another sign of potential diabetes.
Tips for Preventing Diabetes
While diabetes can be managed, prevention is always better. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of developing diabetes:
- Get Tested: More than 80% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it because they show no symptoms. Regular testing is essential for early detection and prevention.
- Choose Healthier Food Options: Incorporate more whole foods, fruits and vegetables into your diet. Reduce your intake of sugary and processed foods, and limit alcohol consumption.
- Exercise More: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. Start with simple activities like walking or biking and work up to more vigorous exercises like jogging or swimming.
- Get Plenty of Sleep: According to the CDC, frequently getting less than 7 hours of sleep makes it harder to manage blood sugar because it increases insulin resistance. Lack of sleep can also increase hunger and reduce feelings of fullness.
- Lose Extra Weight: Losing 5-7% of your body weight can prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes by nearly 60%. For someone weighing 200 pounds, this translates to losing just 10-14 pounds.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress raises blood sugar levels and contributes to insulin resistance. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or simply enjoying a good book.
- Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking can improve your insulin sensitivity within eight weeks, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it has countless other health benefits.
Diabetes is a serious condition that requires timely diagnosis and management. If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a family member, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection and proactive management of diabetes can transform lives. By recognizing the silent symptoms and making healthier choices, you can prevent complications and enjoy a better quality of life.
We offer a wide range of services that can assist in combating this chronic disease. We recommend everyone start with their Primary Care provider, who can diagnose, monitor and help prevent high blood sugar levels. If diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, our team at TMH Physician Partners – Endocrinology, Obesity & Diabetes includes a team of medical specialists, registered dietitians, and diabetes educators and behaviorists working together under one roof. We have provided top-tier, board-certified care and a nationally recognized educational program for quality diabetes education since 1995.
To learn more about all of the services we offer, visit TMH.ORG/diabetes.
