What Are 10 Warning Signs of High Diabetes?

High diabetes or hyperglycemia often develops in silence, yet your body gives out an early warning well before it becomes dangerous. Early identification of these signs may make a great deal of difference in managing it and avoiding long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems, and loss of vision. Following are the 10 most common warning signs of high diabetes you need to pay heed to right now.

10 Warning Signs of High Diabetes You Should Never Ignore

• Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
• Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia)
• Unusual Fatigue
• Blurred Vision
• Slow-Healing Wounds
• Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
• Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin
• Frequent Infections

1. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

One of the early signs of high diabetes is frequent trips to the bathroom than the usual rate. During high blood sugar levels, the kidneys make an attempt at removing excess glucose through urine. As a result, this often results in frequent urination, especially during the night. If this happens daily, then it’s time to get your blood sugar checked.

2. Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia)

Almost always, this symptom comes in company with the frequent urination. Your body loses fluids through increased urination, and it increases your urge to drink more water. Whatever you drink, you will still feel dehydrated. This is a classic sign showing high blood sugar levels.

3. Unusual Fatigue

Another possible warning sign could be feeling extremely tired even after rest. The inability of high blood sugar levels to let glucose in through your cells leaves the body devoid of its most prioritized energy resource. This generates a chronic situation of weakness and fatigue. If for no apparent reason you are always exhausted, don't ignore it.

4. Blurred Vision

High levels of glucose can cause fluid to leak into your eye's lens, which makes it swell. This may cause blurry vision. It may seem that the changes in your eyes go up and down during the day, or it seems harder to focus your eyes. If this continuous blurry vision happens, that could also mean very high blood sugar levels.

5. Slow-Healing Wounds

Cuts, bruises, and infections could take a bit longer to heal if high diabetes symptoms are present. High blood sugar, in fact, reduces circulation by damaging blood vessels. As a result, the nutrients and oxygen required for healing cannot reach your damaged tissues as easily, and this slows down the natural process of healing in your body.

6. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

Even after consuming a full meal, you will still feel starved. This happens because your body's cells are not getting enough glucose in the presence of insulin resistance, and your brain tells you that it needs more food though the blood sugar is already high.

7. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you're losing weight without trying, it could be related to diabetes. This is because your body isn't able to utilize glucose properly, so it starts to break down fat and muscle for energy. This sudden weight loss, especially with these other symptoms present, is a severe warning sign.

8. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

Over time, high blood sugar can damage your nerves, leading to tingling, burning, or numbness in your hands and feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy. It can get worse if not treated early. Watch for these feelings — they often happen before major complications take hold of you.

9. Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin

Frequent urination can result in dehydration, causing symptoms of a dry mouth and itching, irritated skin. The body has lost valuable fluids and natural oils; therefore, the skin will be more susceptible to dryness. Ongoing dryness could be a sign of poor blood sugar control.

10. Frequent Infections

People with high diabetes can suffer from recurring infections such as yeast infections, UTIs, or gum disease. High blood sugar weakens the immune system, making bacteria and fungi linger. If infections keep on appearing, then one should get tested for diabetes.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you recognize one or more of these warning signs, contact our healthcare team immediately for a professional evaluation and personalized care plan. It is especially recommended to consult an endocrinologist or visit the endocrinology department for further assessment and specialized diabetes management.