How to Tell if You Have Diabetes? Signs, Risks, and What to Do
In 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes.— and the big majority of people don’t even know they have it. That’s why early detection is so important. Diabetes is often called the "silent epidemic" because its early signs can be hard to notice. But How to tell if you have diabetes? what are diabetes Signs, Risks?
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| How to Tell if You Have Diabetes? |
In this article, we’ll explain:
- What is diabetes?
- How to know if you’re diabetic
- Common symptoms to watch for
- Risk factors you should be aware of
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes high levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood.
There are two main types of diabetes:
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Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It happens when your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy.
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Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. It usually develops slowly and is caused by things like being overweight, lack of physical activity, or family history.
How Do I Know If I’m Diabetic?
The best way to find out is to get a blood sugar test.
There are two main types of tests:
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Fasting blood sugar test – taken after not eating for 8 hours.
→ A result of 126 mg/dL (1.26 g/L) or higher means you may have diabetes. -
Post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar test – taken 2 hours after eating.
→ A result of 200 mg/dL (2 g/L) or more may indicate diabetes.
If you notice any symptoms of diabetes, it’s important to see a doctor quickly. Early diagnosis and proper care can help prevent serious complications.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
If you notice one or more of the symptoms below, don’t ignore them:
1. Always Thirsty
If you drink a lot but still feel thirsty, your body might be trying to get rid of extra sugar in the blood through urine. Talk to your doctor if this continues.
2. Blurry Vision
Too much sugar in the blood can change the fluid levels in your eyes and damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina. This can cause blurred or fuzzy vision.
3. Feeling Very Hungry
When your body doesn’t make enough insulin, sugar can't get into your cells, so your body thinks it needs more food for energy.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight quickly without trying, it could be because your body isn’t getting the energy it needs from sugar. This is more common in Type 1 diabetes.
5. Slow Healing Wounds
High blood sugar can damage your nerves and blood circulation. That makes it harder for cuts, blisters, or sores to heal properly. In serious cases, untreated wounds can lead to skin ulcers or infections.
Who’s at Risk for Diabetes?
Here are the main risk factors:
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Being overweight or obese
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Having family members with diabetes
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Lack of exercise or physical activity
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Being over the age of 45
You can lower your risk by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting tested if you're at risk.
Take Care of Your Health
If you want to stay healthy and catch problems early, talk to your doctor and get tested for diabetes. You can also use health apps like My Easy Santé to track your wellness and get lifestyle tips.
