Do you feel constantly tired, even after a good night's sleep and proper nutrition? Are you frequently urinating, even when you don't consume water? Do you feel irritated or have changes in mood? If so, you may be suffering from undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly metabolize sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is estimated that 8.5 million people in the United States have undiagnosed diabetes, accounting for 23% of all adults with diabetes. The most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes are excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, and frequent urination.
Being tired at the end of the day is normal, but if you're still feeling exhausted after a good night's sleep and proper nutrition, it could be a sign of diabetes. Frequent urination is another symptom of diabetes. If you need to go constantly, even at night when you don't consume water, this could be a warning sign. Rapid changes in blood sugar can also cause frequent changes in mood and irritability.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of undiagnosed diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95% of all cases. It often goes undetected for many years because hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) develops gradually and is not severe enough to recognize it with the classic symptoms of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that pregnant women be tested for diabetes before 15 weeks if they have risk factors and suggests that all people planning a pregnancy be tested for undiagnosed diabetes at the first prenatal visit. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications such as nerve damage and vision loss.
