Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions, and many people don’t even know they have it. This article breaks down some of the common signs you might be able to spot yourself, helping you take charge of your health early on. Catching diabetes early can prevent a lot of long-term problems.
So, what exactly is diabetes? Simply put, it’s a condition where your body struggles to manage blood sugar. Normally, a hormone called insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. But with diabetes, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin (Type 1) or your cells stop responding to it properly (Type 2). In either case, sugar builds up in your blood, which can damage your blood vessels, nerves, and organs over time. We’ll focus mostly on Type 2, as it’s more common. (This article draws upon the expertise of Dr. Siobhan Deshauer)