Each year, about 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of diabetes. For many, the condition comes with signs that point toward the disease.
“When there’s not enough insulin, or you’re resistant to insulin, glucose levels go up,” said Dr. Stanley Mathew, who spoke with Straight Arrow News about recognizing the warning signs of diabetes. “That’s when you potentially face life-threatening complications.”
November is also National Diabetes Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of the disease, including its risk factors, symptoms, prevention and the impact it has on individuals living with it.
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What are the warning signs?
Mathew said the early symptoms are often easy to overlook.
“You have the usual symptoms of feeling tired and not having enough energy,” he said. “But the big ones people talk about are being thirsty all the time, urinating frequently, feeling hungry all the time, and noticing vision changes like blurriness. Frequent infections — especially skin infections without an obvious cause — can also be a sign. In women, frequent vaginal yeast infections are common when blood sugars are very high.”
Mathew added that vision changes can occur both before and after diagnosis.
“When blood sugar levels are very high, water leaves the lens of the eye, which flattens it and causes vision changes,” he said. “Once diabetes is treated and blood sugar levels stabilize, the vision changes again — often improving as the lens returns to normal.”
While family history can play a role in developing diabetes, Mathew said cultural and ethnic awareness is also important.
“Hispanics and Asians have a much higher proportion of diabetes,” he said. “Being aware of that risk and taking steps to manage it is key.”
How diabetes is treated
Treatment depends on whether a person has either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin. It requires daily insulin therapy through injections or an insulin pump. Patients must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and stay physically active to help stabilize glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes is the more common form, in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and weight management. In some cases, oral medications like metformin or injectable drugs such as GLP-1 agonists are prescribed. If blood sugar levels remain high, insulin therapy may also be needed.
“Early recognition, lifestyle awareness, and consistent management can make all the difference,” Mathew said. “The earlier we act, the better the outcomes.”
