World Diabetes Day is observed globally on November 14
By Ayman Anika
Every year, millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with diabetes, yet for many, the diagnosis comes too late. By the time they notice symptoms, they may already be dealing with serious complications. Diabetes doesn’t always announce itself with obvious symptoms. Instead, it works quietly, and progressively – leaving behind clues that are often overlooked. This makes creating awareness of the early signs and symptoms essential.
We spoke with Professor Dr Tanjina Hossain, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Green Life Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, who gave her expert insights into the early signs and symptoms of diabetes. Dr Hossain explains: “Diabetes is a silent killer. In many cases, it may remain silent until causing complications like cardiac or kidney problems.” Understanding and recognizing these subtle signals of diabetes is not only decisive for those at risk but for everyone.
Dr Hossain elaborates on the silent nature of diabetes, stressing that: “Almost 50% of people with diabetes don’t know they have it because they don’t experience any symptoms!” She recommends that people over 35 get tested routinely, regardless of visible symptoms. “One should not wait to develop symptoms to test for diabetes; it should be a routine test after 35 years.”
So, what are these early warnings, and why should we pay attention to them?
Unquenchable thirst and frequent urination
One of the earliest signs of diabetes is increased thirst, a relentless craving for water that seems impossible to satisfy. This thirst often leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially during the night.
According to Dr Hossain, these symptoms occur because “excess glucose in the blood pulls water from tissues, making you feel dehydrated.” This triggers thirst, but drinking more water only results in more frequent urination, creating a frustrating cycle.
These symptoms may seem harmless at first, but they’re not typical. Dr Hossain advises: “If you find yourself waking up repeatedly at night to urinate, it’s worth getting a blood sugar test, especially if you’re over 35
Unexpected weight loss and constant hunger
Many people associate diabetes with weight gain, but in its early stages, it can cause rapid, unexpected weight loss.
The body, unable to use glucose for energy, starts burning fat and muscle for fuel. “When the body can’t use glucose due to insulin resistance or deficiency, it starts breaking down muscle and fat, which leads to weight loss,” says Dr Hossain. This is more common in Type 1 diabetes, where weight loss can be sudden and dramatic, but it can also signal undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Hand in hand with weight loss is an insatiable hunger. The body craves food as it tries to get the energy it’s missing out on. “Constant hunger, especially paired with weight loss, can be a strong indicator of diabetes,” explains Dr Hossain.
Fatigue and blurry vision
Unexplained fatigue is another early sign of diabetes that often goes ignored. “People feel tired because their cells aren’t getting the energy they need from glucose,” says Dr Hossain. Fatigue is often one of the first clues, but it’s easy to dismiss.
Blurry vision is another red flag. High blood sugar can cause the lenses of your eyes to swell, leading to temporary blurry vision. Left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to permanent eye damage. “Diabetes harms the eyes in several ways, including causing early cataracts, increasing the risk of glaucoma, and leading to diabetic retinopathy,” explains Dr Hossain. Diabetic retinopathy, in particular, is a serious complication and a leading cause of blindness.
Skin changes and slow healing wounds
The skin can reveal surprising clues about diabetes. Dark, velvety patches around the neck and armpits – known as acanthosis nigricans – are a visible indicator of insulin resistance. Dr Hossain points out: “These dark patches are a sign of insulin resistance and can appear even in young people. It’s important to pay attention to these changes, as they may signal an increased risk for diabetes.”
People with diabetes may also notice that cuts and bruises take longer to heal. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and affect circulation, which slows down the healing process. This can lead to recurrent infections, particularly skin and fungal infections. “If you find that wounds or cuts are slow to heal, or if you’re experiencing frequent infections, it could be a sign of diabetes,” advises Dr Hossain.
Understanding the risk factors
While these symptoms are important, Dr Hossain emphasizes that anyone with risk factors should monitor their blood sugar levels, regardless of symptoms. “The risks include being overweight, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet.” She adds that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a history of gestational diabetes are also at higher risk.
Dr Hossain stresses the importance of paying attention to these risk factors, saying: “If you have dark pigmentations over your neck or axilla, it’s a sign of insulin resistance. This condition, even at an early age, signals a risk of developing diabetes.”
The power of prevention
For those with borderline diabetes, or prediabetes, there is still an opportunity to prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes. “Prediabetes is like the yellow zone – it’s a warning. People with prediabetes don’t need medications yet, but they must change their lifestyle,” Dr Hossain explains. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced weight can significantly reduce the risk.
Dr Hossain stresses that prediabetes is reversible with the right interventions. “Lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular activity, and watching blood pressure and cholesterol levels are key to preventing diabetes.”
Breaking the silence: Awareness is key
Diabetes doesn’t have to be a silent killer. By educating ourselves about the early signs, we empower ourselves to act before complications arise. “Diabetes affects every organ in the body,” Dr Hossain warns, “From the heart and kidneys to the eyes and nerves. Awareness and regular check-ups can make all the difference.” Diabetes awareness isn’t just for those at risk – it’s a community responsibility. Friends, family, and loved ones can play a crucial role in identifying early signs and encouraging routine testing. Recognizing the symptoms early on allows for a proactive approach, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing the quality of life.
As Dr Hossain wisely says: “Prevention and awareness are our strongest tools. Don’t wait for symptoms – get tested, know your risk factors, and make lifestyle choices that will keep you healthy
