Diabetes is a grave condition that can cause many other health problems if left untreated. These can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. According to the CDC, roughly 30 million Americans have diabetes. Of these, one in four is unaware they have the condition.
With diabetes, either your body cannot make enough insulin, or the insulin it does make does not work as it should. When insufficient insulin does not work correctly, sugar (glucose) builds up in your blood instead of being transformed into energy.
There are two main types of this disease: type 1 and type 2. The former is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, while type 2 diabetes is more common in adults. However, type 2 diabetes is also on the rise in children and teens due to the increasing rates of obesity.
It is critical to undergo yearly physicals to detect the onset of diabetes. By detecting diabetes early, you can make lifestyle changes to prevent the disease from progressing.
Frequent Trips to the Loo
If you go to the bathroom more than usual, particularly at night, it might be time to get a physical because high blood sugar can cause you to urinate more frequently. During the physical, your doctor will likely check your blood sugar levels. If they are high, they may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help get them under control.
If you have this disease, it is vital to check your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to severe complications, like kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease. So if you go to the bathroom more often than average, please ignore it – make an appointment with your doctor to check it out.
Frequent Urinary Tract Infection
If you get UTIs often, you might wonder if there is a connection to diabetes. After all, both conditions can cause similar symptoms, and both can be frustrating to deal with. Here is what you need to know: UTIs are more common in people with diabetes, but that does not necessarily mean that UTIs are a symptom of diabetes. Anyone can get a UTI.
Diabetics are at increased risk for UTIs due to changes in the urinary tract and other conditions that can contribute to infection. You must consult your physician if you have diabetes and are getting UTIs often. They can help you determine what might be causing the problem and devise a plan to help you reduce your risk of UTIs.
Surprising Weight Loss
If you are like most, you probably think that diabetics always have to be careful about their weight. After all, they must watch their blood sugar levels and ensure they do not overeat sugar. But it turns out that diabetics can lose weight surprisingly quickly. Many diabetics find that they lose weight without even trying.
There are a few reasons for this. First, when you have diabetes, your body is less efficient at using sugar for energy. It means that you burn more calories than you usually would. Second, diabetics often have to take medication that makes them urinate more frequently. It also causes you to lose weight.
Conclusion
It is critical to have a yearly physical to detect diabetes for a few reasons:
- Early detection of diabetes can help prevent severe complications from the disease.
- A physical can help identify other health problems that may put you at risk for diabetes.
- A physical can help you make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
To determine if you have diabetes, you should schedule an exam with Lone Star Urgent Care. We have provided physicals to Corpus Christi, TX residents. Please do not ignore the telltale signs enumerated in this piece, and visit us soon for an exam!
