More than a million Brits could be unknowingly battling undiagnosed diabetes, with early detection being crucial to managing the condition and maintaining a good quality of life.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has highlighted that seemingly minor health issues shouldn’t be ignored as they might signal something more serious.
He emphasised the importance of recognising changes in bathroom frequency: “Going to the toilet too much, also known as polyuria, can be a sign of diabetes.
“This can occur when the body attempts to get rid of excess glucose through urination, being awoken multiple times throughout the evening is a common symptom that you may have developed the condition.”
Dr Grant also pointed out that any sudden changes in vision should be a red flag prompting an immediate visit to the doctor, as high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy, which manifests as blurriness or distortion in sight.
Furthermore, experiencing unexpected and significant weight loss without trying could indicate diabetes, as the body may start breaking down fat and muscle for energy if it’s unable to utilise glucose from food due to problems with insulin production or resistance.
The doctor highlighted a link between increased urination and sudden weight loss as potential early indicators of diabetes, stating: “A desire to drink more frequently can be down to an increase in toilet activity – leaving the body with lost fluids to replace.
“For hunger, insulin complications mean the glucose from consumed foods cannot be converted into energy. As a result, the body experiences increased levels of appetite as it needs to ingest more food to compensate for the lack of converted energy.”
He emphasised the importance of consulting a healthcare professional if unexpected weight loss occurs, as it could lead to further health issues.
Moreover, diabetes might mask itself behind symptoms like yeast infections, erectile dysfunction or headaches, though these can also signify other medical conditions.
The doctor pointed out that many of these symptoms may indicate other health issues as well. For example, increased urination can be due to medication or pregnancy, eye issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye might be the cause of vision changes or a sign of diabetes as well.
He urged the need for awareness, adding: “It’s vital to shine a light on some of the commonly experienced symptoms that can be a sign of the condition. Early detection can help prevent further health complications such as kidney failure, heart disease and loss of vision.”
