Prediabetes might sound scary, but catching it early is a game-changer. In this article, we’re breaking down. 11 quirky ways your body might be trying to get your attention.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are slightly elevated but not high enough to be classied as type 2 diabetes. It usually happens due to insulin resistance, when your body doesn’t use insulin effectively, causing sugar to build up in your bloodstream.
The tricky part? Most people don’t notice any symptoms.
1. Increased Thirst and Urination
Feeling thirsty all the time and needing to pee often are common signs of prediabetes. This happens because your kidneys can’t handle the extra sugar in your blood. Instead, the sugar goes into your urine, pulling uids from your body. As a result, you pee more and get dehydrated. To make up for the lost uids, you drink more, which leads to even more trips to the bathroom.
Most people urinate about 6-7 times a day. Anywhere from four to ten times daily is normal, as long as it’s
consistent and doesn’t increase suddenly.
2. Blurred Vision
Blurry vision can be an early sign of prediabetes, not just an eye problem. High blood sugar causes uid shifts that make the lens of your eye swell and change shape. This affects your focus, making things look fuzzy or out of focus.
With treatment, your blood sugar levels can stabilize, and your vision usually returns to normal. But if diabetes goes untreated, these changes can get worse and may lead to blindness.
3. Fatigue
Constant fatigue is another common sign of prediabetes. Like with hunger, your cells can’t get enough glucose for energy. Plus, frequent urination leads to dehydration, which makes you feel even more tired.
Fatigue can happen for many reasons, like a carb-heavy diet, too much caffeine, or aging. But if you’re also thirsty, hungry, or urinating often, it might be a sign of diabetes.
4. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet
Numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, feet, ngers, or toes is another common sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar affects blood ow, leading to nerve damage. Since hands and feet are farthest from the heart, they’re usually affected rst.
Keeping your blood sugar under control can improve circulation and ease these symptoms.
5. Slow-Healing Wounds
Slow-healing cuts and wounds can be a sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar causes inammation and poor
blood ow, making it harder for your body to repair damaged skin.
This is especially common in the feet, where sores can lead to serious complications. If your cuts and wounds take longer to heal than usual, talk to your doctor.
6. Increased Hunger
Constant hunger, along with thirst and frequent urination, is one of the three main signs of prediabetes. When your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, it can’t turn food into glucose for energy. This leaves your cells starving, causing hunger that doesn’t go away after eating. In fact, eating more can raise your blood sugar even higher.
If you feel hungry all the time, even after meals, consider seeing your doctor. This is important, even if you don’t have other diabetes symptoms.
7. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Flatulence, Constipation and Bloating
Digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and gas can be signs of prediabetes. High blood sugar can affect the
nerves that control your digestive system, slowing down digestion and causing constipation. Poor digestion mayalso lead to bloating and excess gas.
Keeping your blood sugar levels stable can help improve digestion. If these symptoms persist, talk to your doctor,
especially if combined with other signs of diabetes.
8. Bad Breath and Dry Mouth
Prediabetes increases the risk of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is why you get bad
breath. Dry mouth from high blood sugar reduces saliva and gives bacteria a breeding ground. The consequence? That dry-mouth feeling.
9. Skin Issues Like Rashes, Dark Spots, and Itchiness
High blood sugar can cause rash, dry, itchy skin. When excess sugar leaves your body through urine, it pulls uids from tissues, including your skin, the body’s largest organ. Scratching dry patches can break the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Acanthosis nigricans is another skin condition linked to prediabetes. It causes dark, velvety patches that usually appear where skin folds, like the neck, armpits, groin, elbows, knees, and knuckles. While it can affect healthy people, it’s often a sign of prediabetes or diabetes.
10. Headaches, Mood Swings and Trouble Concentrating
Headaches, mood swings, and trouble concentrating can be signs of prediabetes. High or low blood sugar levels affect brain function, leading to headaches and difculty focusing. Blood sugar uctuations can also impact mood, causing irritability or anxiety.
Managing blood sugar levels can help reduce these symptoms. If they persist, especially with other diabetes signs, consult your doctor.
11. Yeast Infections
Yeast survives on sugar. So high blood sugar creates optimal conditionsfor ongoing yeast infections, especially in hot, damp areas like the mouth, genitals, and skin creases.
How to Stop Prediabetes
Having prediabetes doesn’t mean you’ll get diabetes. But it’s a wake-up call. The good news? Simple changes can help you turn things around.
Eat healthier. Choose foods low in fat and calories. Go for fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocado and sh. Skip processed foods and limit red meat.
Exercise regularly. Moving your body helps you use insulin better. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate activity—like walking, biking, or swimming—at least ve days a week. Start slow. Build up as you go.
Lose extra weight. Dropping just 5-10% of your weight can lower blood sugar. Healthy eating and exercise are key. A gym membership, trainer, or workout buddy can help you stay motivated.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases insulin resistance. Need help? Try nicotine patches, gum, or prescription
meds.
Cut back on carbs. Focus on complex carbs like veggies, whole grains, and beans. Avoid simple carbs like
candy, fruit juice, and white bread.
Treat sleep apnea. Keep in mind, too, that sleep apnea has been associated with insulin resistance. A doctor
can check for sleep apnea and recommend treatments like a CPAP machine or oral appliance.
Drink more water. Water helps control blood sugar and keeps you hydrated. Swap out sugary drinks for water.
Get help from a dietitian. A registered dietitian can create a meal plan that works for you.
Consider medication. Lifestyle changes work for most people. But if blood sugar stays high, your doctor may
prescribe metformin.