How Can People Know If They Have Diabetes Without Undergoing Medical Tests?

While a formal diagnosis of diabetes requires medical tests like blood glucose measurements, there are some symptoms and signs that may suggest diabetes. However, these are not definitive and could also be associated with other conditions. If you notice these signs, it's important to consult a doctor for confirmation. 

Common symptoms include :

 Increased Thirst and Urination :

• Excess glucose in the blood can cause the kidneys to work harder to filter it out, leading to frequent urination (polyuria). This also causes dehydration, making you feel excessively thirsty (polydipsia).

Unexplained Weight loss :

• Despite eating normally, people with diabetes may lose weight because their bodies are not able to effectively use glucose for energy, so they start breaking down fat and muscle instead.

 Extreme Hunger :

• Cells not receiving enough glucose can make you feel very hungry, even shortly after eating.

 Fatigue :

• High blood sugar levels can affect the body's ability to convert glucose into energy, leading to persistent tiredness or exhaustion.

 Blurred Vision :

• High blood sugar may take longer to heal due to poor blood circulation and reduced immune function caused by high glucose levels.

 Tingling or Numbness :

• Persistent high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet (a condition called neuropathy).

 Frequent Infections :

• High sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making you more prone to infections, such as skin infections, urinary tract infections, or yeast infections.

 Darkened skin Patches :

• A condition called acanthosis nigricans can occur, where the skin becomes darkened and velvety, usually in the neck, armpits, or groin. This can be a sign of insulin resistance.

 Key Note :

These symptoms can vary between individuals and may develop gradually in type 2 diabetes or appear suddenly in type 1 diabetes. Not everyone with diabetes will have obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages.

If you suspect you have diabetes, it's essential to undergo medical testing (eg: fasting glucose, HbA1c) for a definitive diagnosis and start treatment if necessary.