Blood sugar levels that consistently remain above the normal range should never be overlooked. If left uncontrolled, the condition can quickly escalate. This escalation is often detectable through specific signs that diabetes is getting worse, which necessitate immediate, focused care and intervention from a medical team.
Clear Signals That Your Diabetes Is Worsening
Excessive glucose in the bloodstream impacts virtually every system in the body. Recognizing the following signs of worsening diabetes can help you gain a better understanding of your health status, encouraging you to be more proactive in following treatment recommendations and reducing symptoms.
1. Extreme thirst and increased need to urinate
When sugar levels are critically high and accumulate in the blood, the kidneys must work overtime to try and filter and reabsorb the surplus glucose. As the condition deteriorates, the kidneys become overwhelmed. This excess sugar then draws more fluid from the body's tissues, pulling it into the urine, which significantly increases urination frequency and elevates the risk of dehydration.
2. Persistent and easy fatigue
In addition to causing dehydration and frequent bathroom trips, excessive blood sugar interferes with the body's fundamental ability to utilize glucose as its primary fuel source. Consequently, you will experience more than just normal tiredness. Even minimal physical activity can leave you feeling overwhelmingly exhausted.
3. Significant changes in body weight
Diabetes can make it challenging for individuals who are overweight or struggling with obesity to shed pounds. In some situations after diagnosis, a person may even experience weight gain. However, paradoxically, when the disease truly takes a turn for the worse, rapid, unexplained weight loss can occur dramatically.
4. Vision becomes increasingly blurry
As blood sugar concentration rises, the fluid balance in the lens of the eye is disrupted. This interference diminishes the eye's ability to focus properly, leading to noticeable blurry vision. Without timely and proper management, this serious condition can progress, potentially resulting in blindness.
5. Wounds that heal very slowly
Too much sugar circulating in the blood negatively affects both blood flow and the efficiency of the body's repair mechanisms. This directly impairs the body's natural healing process. For this reason, if you sustain an injury, the wound will take much longer than normal to close, dry out, or heal completely.
6. Recurring infections
Research indicates that people living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk (1.5 to 4 times greater) of developing various infections. This includes common infections affecting the kidneys, bones, wounds on the feet, the respiratory system, skin, and the bladder. This susceptibility is a direct result of the high glucose environment in the blood.
7. Swollen and red gums
The elevated risk of infection can also target the gums and the underlying bone structures that secure the teeth. This results in the gums pulling away from the teeth, becoming severely red, swollen, and painful. In advanced stages, this condition can cause teeth to loosen or fall out, and pockets of pus or painful sores may appear on the gums.
8. New difficulty with hearing
One primary factor contributing to this is damage to the small blood vessels located in the inner ear, which occurs due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. Another factor is increased fluid pressure affecting the cochlea (the sound-receiving part) within the ear.
9. Notable changes on the skin
Visible signs of deteriorating diabetes often appear on the skin. These symptoms and changes can take many forms, including:
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The skin developing areas that are thicker and darker in appearance,
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Large, reddish, and noticeably raised patches appearing on the skin,
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Hard, yellowish bumps encircled by a red ring,
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Skin texture becoming tight, thick, or waxy, making it difficult to flex or stretch.
Diabetes Management to Prevent Complications
Obtaining an early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective diabetes management. This critical initial step helps in controlling blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces active symptoms and drastically lowers the risk of severe complications associated with the disease.
Therefore, it is vital to undergo regular health check-ups, including screening for diabetes. This is especially important if you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or consistently maintain an unhealthy lifestyle.
You must also consult your physician to receive precise, personalized treatment advice. Beyond prescribing necessary medication, your doctor will emphasize lifestyle improvements to help prevent complications, including the following recommendations:
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Adopting a diabetes diet that involves prioritizing high-fiber foods, while strictly limiting processed foods and items high in simple sugars and high glycemic index.
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Engaging in regular physical exercise to help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
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Increasing your daily activity level, for instance, by spending more time walking.
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Ensuring sufficient sleep, aiming for a minimum of seven hours every night.
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Learning techniques to effectively manage high or chronic stress.
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Seeking medical assistance for immediate and proper treatment of any wounds or infections.
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Consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels as instructed by your healthcare provider.
While diabetes is currently an incurable condition, effective management is absolutely possible. By committing to a healthy lifestyle, scheduling regular check-ups, and maintaining open consultation with your doctor, you can successfully navigate life with diabetes.