According to Medical Xpress, scientists have identified key signs that may indicate the onset of diabetes.
Endocrinologist Dr. Alyssa Domínguez points out that the disease often develops in its early stages without any symptoms. Therefore, the American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults be screened for diabetes starting at age 35. This is especially important for people with risk factors, such as having a family member with diabetes, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, or being overweight or obese.
Blood tests remain the most reliable method for detecting diabetes, but there are symptoms that may indicate the development of the disease, including:
Frequent urination: If a person notices a significant increase in the number of times they urinate more than usual, this may be a warning sign, although similar symptoms may appear in other medical conditions.
Constant and persistent thirst: because high blood sugar levels increase fluid secretion, leading to dehydration of the body and dry mouth.
Sudden weight loss: Patients often notice a sudden and unexplained loss of weight, because a lack of insulin or its ineffectiveness forces the body to use fat and muscle tissue as a source of energy.
Skin changes: These may indicate diabetes, such as the appearance of skin growths associated with insulin resistance, or darkening and thickening of the skin in the neck area or underarms, known as keratosis pilaris , and may be a physical manifestation of a carbohydrate metabolism disorder.
Slow wound healing: High blood sugar levels slow down the wound healing process, and this is usually observed in the advanced stages of the disease.
The expert emphasizes that waiting for symptoms to appear is not the best option, as the early stages of diabetes often go unnoticed. Therefore, timely testing, including fasting blood glucose tests, allows for early detection of the disease before complications arise and enables prompt treatment.
