9 Early PREDIABETES Warning Signs You're Unaware Of

Did you know about the signs and side effects of pre-diabetes? It is surprising to learn that nearly one in three individuals in the United States has pre-diabetes. This means more than 88 million Americans are living with this condition. Many of them are unaware that they have it.

So, what exactly is pre-diabetes? Why is it important to know about it? In this video, we will explore the signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes. My goal is to help you understand what to look for and why this knowledge is critical.

Before we dive in, let's clarify that everything mentioned in this story is based on researched facts. These facts have been verified by qualified health professionals. Now, let's discuss the nine signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes.

The first sign is increased thirst. Pre-diabetes is often a silent condition. It sneaks up on you, making its presence known without clear symptoms. Increased thirst, also known as polydipsia, is one of the first indicators. Research in the Journal of Diabetes Care has shown a strong link between pre-diabetes and excessive thirst. People with pre-diabetes are more likely to experience this compared to those with normal glucose levels. This thirst is not just a dry mouth. It is a deep craving for fluids, often accompanied by frequent urination. The cause of this intense thirst lies in your body’s struggle to manage glucose levels. In pre-diabetes, your cells become resistant to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter the cells. As a result, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. In an effort to eliminate this excess sugar, your kidneys work overtime, causing more fluid loss through urination. Hence, you feel extremely thirsty.

The second symptom is frequent urination. A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Care found that individuals with pre-diabetes urinate more often than those with normal glucose levels. This increased urination occurs because the kidneys work hard to filter out the excess sugar from the bloodstream. When we eat, our body breaks down food into glucose for energy. Insulin helps move this glucose into our cells. However, in pre-diabetes, the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, making it challenging for glucose to enter cells. This results in elevated sugar levels in the body, leading to more frequent urination. Recognizing this frequent urination as a potential sign of pre-diabetes can facilitate early intervention.

The third sign is fatigue. One reason pre-diabetes can lead to fatigue is that high glucose levels can damage blood vessels over time. This damage reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that reach your muscles and tissues, making you feel tired. Additionally, when cells cannot use glucose effectively, they turn to fat for energy. This alternative energy source produces byproducts called ketones, which can further exacerbate fatigue.

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The fourth sign is unexplained weight changes. Unexplained weight loss can often serve as a warning for pre-diabetes. When your body cannot utilize sugar for energy, it starts breaking down fat and muscle instead. This results in weight loss, even if you are eating regularly. On the flip side, unexplained weight gain can also signify pre-diabetes. If the body struggles to use insulin effectively, it can lead to increased hunger and cravings for sweet, unhealthy foods. This may result in overeating and weight gain, especially around the abdomen. It's essential to pay attention to these weight changes because untreated pre-diabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, a serious condition associated with complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.

The fifth sign is blurred vision. High glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels in your eyes. These tiny vessels supply blood to the retina, which is essential for clear vision. When these vessels are harmed, your vision may become blurred. You might feel like you are looking through a foggy window or that your glasses constantly need cleaning. Blurred vision is not the only eye issue related to pre-diabetes. You may also notice floaters, which are small specks or dark spots in your field of vision.

The sixth sign is slow healing. When there is too much sugar in your blood, it can damage blood vessels and nerves that are crucial for healing. These vessels and nerves are responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to injuries, promoting recovery. In pre-diabetes, these systems can struggle, leading to slower healing times. Additionally, high glucose levels can weaken your immune system. This impairment makes it easier for infections to develop in wounds, further delaying recovery. If you notice that your cuts, scrapes, or wounds take longer to heal, it may be wise to check your glucose levels. Early detection of pre-diabetes can prevent its progression to full-blown diabetes.