Beware Of Prediabetes Symptoms Before Growing Into Diabetes

Illustration of prediabetes examination. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Pradiabetes is the initial phase before a person is actually diagnosed with diabetes. This condition occurs when blood sugar levels are above normal, but not high enough to be categorized as diabetes.

At this stage, glucose levels usually range between 100125 mg/dL. Although often not causing clear symptoms, prediabetics can be recognized by a number of body changes that should not be ignored.

According to a Times of India report on Saturday, routine health checks are the best way to detect this condition. However, some physical signs and changes in the body often appear early as a warning signal. Unfortunately, many people view the complaint as a minor problem so they are late aware that they are in the prediabetes phase.

Some of the symptoms that should be watched out for include increasing thirst accompanied by frequent urination. This condition is known as polydipsia. When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys work extra to remove excess glucose through urine. As a result, the body loses a lot of fluids so that a person feels persistently thirsty.

In addition, changes in the skin can also be an important sign. Pradiabetes is often marked by the appearance of dark skin spots, especially in folding areas such as neck, armpits, or garps. This condition is known as acidosis nigricans and can be a signal of insulin resistance.

Another frequent symptom is prolonged fatigue. The body that is unable to optimally utilize glucose will experience a decrease in energy, both physically and mentally. This fatigue can even disrupt concentration, mood, and daily productivity.

Temporary vision disorders can also be a sign of prediabetics. High blood sugar levels can affect fluids in the lens of the eye, thus making the view appear blurred. If left unchecked, this condition has the potential to damage blood vessels in the retina.

In addition, tingling or numbness in the hands and legs is another symptom that should not be ignored. This condition is related to nerve damage due to high sugar levels and is known as neuropathy.

Recognizing these symptoms from an early age is important so that a person can take preventive steps before conditions develop into more serious diabetes.