Prediabetes is a condition characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be classified clinically as diabetes. Often, individuals with prediabetes do not exhibit noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are important. However, some people may experience subtle signs such as:
Increased Thirst and Urination: Frequent urination (polyuria) and increased thirst (polydipsia) can be early signs of prediabetes.
Fatigue: Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain: Some individuals with prediabetes may experience unexplained weight changes, both weight loss or may be weight gain.
Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can affect the shape of the eye's lens or effect on retina, leading to blurred vision.
Slow Wound Healing: High blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to heal wounds and fight infections.
How to take action?
Routine medical check-ups and blood glucose screenings are essential for detecting prediabetes. If you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle or stress, it's even more important to monitor your health regularly. Fasting blood sugar tests (FBS), oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and HbA1c tests are common diagnostic tools.