Top 10 Signs of DIABETES You Can SEE: Doctor Explains

Summary

This video educates viewers about the subtle signs of undiagnosed diabetes, a condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar. Common signs include frequent urination, skin changes, infections, joint issues, and nerve damage. The video emphasizes the importance of early detection through tests like hemoglobin A1c, which helps assess average blood sugar levels. Preventive measures such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation are also discussed. The aim is to encourage viewers to take action, get tested, and adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to manage blood sugar levels, either due to lack of insulin (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2).
• 😀 One in four adults with diabetes are unaware they have it, making early detection crucial for preventing complications.
• 😀 Frequent urination, especially at night, is a common sign of diabetes caused by excess glucose in the blood, which leads to dehydration.
• 😀 Skin changes like dark, velvety patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin can indicate insulin resistance.
• 😀 Skin tags, small growths in areas where skin folds, are another sign of insulin resistance linked to diabetes.
• 😀 High blood sugar can create an environment that fosters bacterial and fungal infections, making diabetics more prone to conditions like urinary tract infections.
• 😀 Diabetes can cause joint and tendon issues, including diabetic stiff hand syndrome, trigger finger, and frozen shoulder, all due to the glycosylation of tissues.
• 😀 Neuropathy, or nerve damage, from high blood sugar can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain, often affecting the hands and feet.
• 😀 Charcot foot, a severe foot deformity caused by nerve damage, can develop without pain, leading to structural changes and complications like infections and amputations.
• 😀 The Hemoglobin A1c test is a reliable way to diagnose diabetes, measuring the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, unlike a single blood glucose test.
• 😀 Preventing diabetes involves maintaining a healthy diet (high in fiber, low in sugar), regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Early detection and lifestyle changes can help manage or prevent the disease.

Q & A

What is the main reason why early detection of diabetes is important?

Early detection of diabetes is important because it can prevent irreversible damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Catching it early allows for better management and can prevent serious complications.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops making insulin, while type 2 diabetes happens when the body's cells become resistant to insulin. In both cases, high blood sugar levels cause damage over time.

How can frequent urination be a sign of diabetes?

Frequent urination, especially at night, is a common sign of diabetes. As blood sugar rises, the kidneys work harder to filter excess glucose, causing increased urination and dehydration, which leads to increased thirst.

What is Acanthosis Nigricans, and why is it associated with diabetes?

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition characterized by dark, velvety patches that typically appear on the neck, armpits, or groin. It is often associated with insulin resistance, a key feature of type 2 diabetes.

How do skin tags relate to diabetes?

Skin tags are small skin flaps that appear in areas where skin folds, like the neck, armpits, and groin. Having multiple skin tags can be a sign of insulin resistance, which is commonly linked to type 2 diabetes.

What is 'trigger finger,' and how is it connected to diabetes?

'Trigger finger' is a condition where a tendon in the finger becomes inflamed, causing the finger to get stuck in a bent position. It is often caused by glycosylation of the tendon, which can occur in people with diabetes due to high blood sugar levels.

What is diabetic neuropathy, and how does it affect people with diabetes?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. It can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain, especially in the hands and feet. This nerve damage can also cause changes in walking, leading to unnoticed injuries and structural changes in the feet.

What is the relationship between diabetes and foot problems?

Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which means people may not feel injuries in their feet. This can lead to infections, ulcers, and even amputations, especially when blood flow is poor and the immune system is weakened due to high blood sugar levels.

What is gastroparesis, and how does it relate to diabetes?

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties more slowly due to nerve damage caused by diabetes. This can lead to bloating, nausea, and difficulty managing blood sugar levels, as the delayed digestion affects the absorption of carbohydrates.

How is diabetes diagnosed today?

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through a hemoglobin A1c test, which measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. A hemoglobin A1c of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. This test is more reliable than random blood glucose tests.