Many people have diabetes for years without realizing it. Over this time the condition gradually worsens, leading to more life-hindering symptoms until you are eventually forced to seek a diagnosis from the doctor. By this time, it’s not uncommon to have other complications that require treatment to get your health back on track. Some may even need to start with insulin injections in order to get their blood sugar levels under control.

Finding Out About Diabetes Early

The best way to prevent these complications from a late diagnosis is to get regular glucose testing at the doctor’s office. However, not everyone wants to take the time for a glucose tolerance test whenever they have a yearly check up, and doctor’s don’t usually recommend it for otherwise healthy patients.

So, how can you keep an eye out for diabetes?

Pay attention to your body and know the early signs, including the number one symptom of this disease.

#1 Symptom of Early Diabetes

The most common early symptom of diabetes is frequent urination. It seems silly, but you’ll know when you are going more often than usual. This symptom develops in response to elevated blood sugar levels. The body does its level best to get those glucose levels under control again, so it flushes out some of the sugar through urination.

When you feel like you are going excessively during the day and at night, after eating carbohydrates, or after having a large meal, you may have diabetes. This could be a good time to make that appointment with your doctor for a glucose test to confirm or rule this diagnosis out.

Taking Stock of Your Symptoms

You may also want to keep an eye out for other symptoms, as the number one symptom usually occurs with a few others. These include:

• Increased Thirst
• Weight Gain
• Weight Loss
• Fatigue or Tiredness
• Blurry Vision
• Slow-Healing Wounds

Left untreated, diabetes will gradually make these symptoms worse and even lead to complications like numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. So, don’t wait too long before going to get your test if you notice the early symptoms of diabetes.