Diabetes is a condition where the body has higher than normal blood sugar levels because it cannot effectively utilize sugar. The main causes are either a lack of insulin hormone or insulin resistance, preventing blood sugar from entering cells to be used as energy.
What is Diabetes and Why is it Called “Diabetes”?
The term “Diabetes” has an interesting origin. In Thai, it’s called “bao-waan” where “bao” means “urine” and “waan” means “sweet,” because the urine of diabetes patients contains sugar. When blood sugar levels are too high, the body tries to eliminate excess sugar through urine.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes can be divided into 4 main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes – Caused by the body’s complete lack of insulin hormone, commonly found in children and teenagers. Patients need insulin injections for life.
- Type 2 Diabetes – The most common type, caused by insulin resistance. The body still produces insulin, but cells don’t respond properly. Usually found in adults and the elderly.
- Gestational Diabetes – Occurs during pregnancy and typically disappears after childbirth. However, those who have had it are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
- Specific-cause Diabetes – Caused by other factors such as chronic pancreatitis, certain endocrine disorders, or side effects from certain medications.
Early Diabetes Signs to Watch For
Recognizing early diabetes signs can help you receive timely treatment. When you have diabetes, there are 9 important warning signs:
1. Abnormally Frequent Urination
When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter sugar from the blood, causing more frequent urination, especially at night.
2. Frequent Thirst and Dry Throat
Frequent urination causes the body to lose more water, resulting in constant thirst—one of the common early diabetes signs.
3. Frequent Hunger and Increased Appetite
When cells don’t receive enough sugar, the body sends hunger signals frequently, causing increased food intake but without feeling satisfied or gaining energy.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Despite eating more, weight decreases because the body cannot use sugar for energy and must burn fat and muscle instead.
5. Fatigue and Weakness
When cells don’t receive enough sugar, you feel tired and weak—a diabetes sign that significantly impacts quality of life.
6. Numbness in Fingertips and Toes
High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, causing numbness in the hands and feet. Many people use a diabetes test kit at home when they experience this symptom.
7. Blurred Vision or Frequent Changes in Eyeglasses
High blood sugar affects the fluid in the eye lens, causing vision changes and blurred vision.
8. Slow-Healing Wounds or Easy Infections
High blood sugar levels cause poor blood circulation, resulting in slow-healing wounds or easy infections.
9. Dizziness and Headaches
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause dizziness or headaches.
Who is at Risk for Diabetes?
Risk factors that increase the chance of developing diabetes include:
- Age 35 years and over
- Family history of diabetes (parents, siblings)
- Overweight or obesity
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal blood lipid levels
- History of gestational diabetes
- Lack of exercise
- Heart and vascular disease
Impact and Complications from Diabetes
If chronic diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Heart and vascular disease – Risk of ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction
- Stroke – Risk of paralysis
- Kidney failure – High blood sugar damages kidney filtering units
- Retinopathy – May lead to blindness
- Peripheral neuropathy – Causing numbness and pain, especially in the feet
- Chronic foot wounds – May lead to amputation in severe cases
Regular monitoring with a diabetes test kit can help prevent these complications by keeping blood sugar levels under control.
Diabetes Prevention
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, lifestyle changes can effectively prevent Type 2 diabetes:
- Maintain normal weight – Lose at least 5-10% of weight for those who are overweight
- Eat nutritious food – Focus on unrefined grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat protein, and reduce sweets and fried foods
- Exercise regularly – Helps increase insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to use sugar better
- Quit smoking – Smoking increases the risk of diabetes and complications
- Limit alcohol consumption – Drink in small amounts or abstain
- Get annual health check-ups – To monitor risk factors and detect diabetes early
- Manage stress – Chronic stress can increase blood sugar levels
Conclusion
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can significantly impact quality of life. However, if you recognize early diabetes signs and receive timely diagnosis and treatment, you can control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Appropriate lifestyle adjustments—including diet, exercise, and regular doctor visits—are key to living with diabetes with good quality of life.
If you notice these diabetes signs, consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Early detection helps prevent serious long-term effects.
For those who want to lose weight properly for sustainable good health, Chula Doctor Clinic has a team of expert doctors ready to provide consultation and comprehensive treatment planning. With specialized expertise in properly caring for patients with excess weight to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Consult with expert doctors at Chula Doctor Clinic about health problems, because good health begins with proper and appropriate care.
