Learn to Recognize the Warning Signs of Diabetes
Would it surprise you to know that some people walk around with symptom of diabetes for several years before they even realize something’s happening to them? It can happen. The warning signs can be subtle. They may not bring diabetes to mind as a possible cause. Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland want you to be aware of the various ways your body is telling you it needs help.
Fatigue
One of the sneakiest signs of diabetes is fatigue. If you’re tired all the time, it could be from late-night Netflix bingeing. Or, if lack of sleep isn’t the culprit, your body could be working overtime trying to regulate your blood glucose. It has to do with insulin – an essential hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin breaks down carbohydrates from the food and drinks you take in, converts it to glucose, and delivers it to every cell in your body. Glucose equals the energy your cells need to function. Diabetes means you’ve got too much blood glucose. The pancreas is stressed into making more and more insulin. The pancreas gets tired out. YOU become tired out. And your blood glucose will keep rising.
Other symptoms
Other changes that you might not immediately associate with diabetes include
- an increased need to urinate
- erectile dysfunction in men
- excessive thirst
- increased appetite
- blurry vision
Foot symptoms
Diabetes symptoms in the feet are also subtle, but there are many of them. They include
- Changes in the skin color
- Nail infections
- Pain, numbness, or tingling
- Unexplained swelling
- Dry, cracked skin
- Wounds that don’t heal or heal very slowly
Some people make the mistake of recognizing symptoms – and then choosing to ignore them. Or thinking they’re not important. Being thirsty all the time may not indicate that you’ve got diabetes. But it isone of the symptoms and shouldn’t be ignored. Be watchful, be aware, and consult with your physician to see if you should be tested.
Diabetes can be devastating to your feet. If you have diabetes, make an appointment with Dr. Frey and Dr. Oltmann at our office in Solon, Ohio. Call us at (440) 903-1041 or make an appointment online.