Diabetes is a chronic condition that often develops silently, without obvious symptoms in its early stages. For many adults, this can be dangerous because by the time noticeable symptoms appear, damage to the body may have already begun. At Parkview Internal Medicine, our goal is to help you recognize the early signs of diabetes so you can take timely steps toward prevention and management.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or doesn’t use insulin effectively (Type 2), leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is far more common in adults and can often be managed or prevented with early intervention.
You can learn more about chronic condition management from Dr. Madhuri Dhupati and Dr. Julaiha Ariff, specialists at Parkview Internal Medicine.
1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
One of the earliest and most common symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst and more frequent urination. This happens because excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb it.
Tip: If you’re urinating more than usual, especially at night, and often feel dehydrated, schedule a consultation through our Contact Us page.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying can be a red flag. When the body doesn’t get enough energy from glucose, it starts burning fat and muscle.
Watch out for:
- Rapid weight loss
- Feeling weak or tired
- Loss of muscle mass
Check our Patient Testimonials to hear from real patients who discovered diabetes through early signs.
3. Constant Hunger (Polyphagia)
Even after a full meal, people with undiagnosed diabetes may feel intense hunger. This is due to the cells not getting enough glucose to convert into energy.
Solution: Get your blood sugar levels checked. Visit our Services to see how we can help you monitor and manage early symptoms.
4. Extreme Fatigue
High blood sugar levels can interfere with the body’s ability to use glucose for energy, leading to constant tiredness.
If you:
- Wake up tired
- Struggle to stay awake throughout the day
- Feel mentally foggy
… it could be time to visit Parkview Internal Medicine.
5. Blurred Vision
High glucose levels can affect the lenses of your eyes, leading to blurry vision. If left untreated, diabetes can cause long-term eye damage.
Schedule an evaluation: Our experienced physicians Dr. Dhupati and Dr. Ariff can refer you for vision screening and diabetic eye health checks.
6. Slow-Healing Wounds and Frequent Infections
High blood sugar impairs the body’s ability to heal and fight infections. Common signs include:
- Frequent skin infections
- Yeast infections
- Slow-healing cuts or bruises
Explore our Patient Information page to learn how we support chronic condition care.
7. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
This is an early symptom of diabetic neuropathy—a condition caused by nerve damage due to prolonged high blood sugar.
Preventative care: Regular screening and glucose control offered at Parkview Internal Medicine can help avoid complications.
8. Dry Skin and Itching
Diabetes affects circulation and moisture levels in your skin. If you notice dry, flaky skin or persistent itchiness, especially around the lower legs, this might be a sign.
Read more tips and insights on the Parkview Blog.
9. Dark Patches of Skin (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Dark, velvety patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits, or groin, can be a sign of insulin resistance.
Treatment: Early management and weight control can reverse this symptom. Explore more about diabetes care under our Services.
10. Mood Swings and Irritability
Blood sugar fluctuations can impact brain function, leading to mood changes and mental fatigue.
Mental health support: At Parkview, we focus on both physical and emotional wellness.
Who is at Risk?
While diabetes can affect anyone, the risk increases with:
- Age (over 45)
- Being overweight
- Family history
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
Our doctors Dr. Madhuri Dhupati and Dr. Julaiha Ariff can assess your individual risk profile.
Diagnosis and Testing
Parkview Internal Medicine offers comprehensive diabetes screening tests:
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- A1C Test
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
See our full list of Services for more details.
Prevention and Management
Even if you’re at risk, it’s not too late. Small changes in lifestyle can delay or prevent diabetes:
1. Healthy Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and non-starchy vegetables.
2. Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
3. Routine Checkups: Regular testing helps catch problems early.
4. Weight Management: Maintain a healthy BMI with guidance from our care team.
5. Stress Reduction: Learn mindfulness techniques, yoga, or therapy.
Get started by scheduling your wellness check through our Contact Us page.
Real Stories, Real Results
⭐ “I started noticing constant thirst and fatigue. Parkview helped me catch prediabetes early—and now I’m living better and stronger.” — Patient Testimonial
Read more on our Patient Testimonials page.
Final Thoughts
Early detection is the key to preventing the serious complications of diabetes. At Parkview Internal Medicine, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
If you or someone you love is showing early signs of diabetes, don’t wait.
✅ Visit our Patient Information section to understand next steps.
???? Schedule an appointment today through our Contact Page.
For more helpful health tips, visit the Parkview Blog regularly.
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