Early Signs of Prediabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Introduction

Millions of individuals globally suffer from prediabetes, a dangerous and unnoticeable illness. It happens when your blood glucose is elevated compared to the standard range. However, it hasn’t reached the stage of being identified as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes. 

Recognising the early signs of prediabetes can help prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes. Whether you’re looking for information for yourself or a loved one, knowing these symptoms—and responding to them promptly—can make all the difference. 

If you are experiencing signs of prediabetes, consider visiting HCG Hospitals, a leading multispeciality hospital in India for comprehensive diabetic care.

Incidence and Prevalence of Prediabetes in India

A study from 2021 has estimated that India had 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people with prediabetes. 

The prevalence of prediabetes was slightly higher in urban areas, which stood at 15.4%, than in rural areas, which stood at 15.2%.

Early identification and treatment are essential in India, where there is a high prevalence of diabetes, one of the highest in the world.

The Early Warning Signs of Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition that may not show symptoms. Therefore, it is often referred to as a “silent” disease. 

Nevertheless, there exist some initial signs or symptoms that one should never overlook. Here are some of the most common indicators:

1. Fatigue or Constant Tiredness

Feeling tired all the time for no valid reason may indicate a problem with sugar levels in the body.

Constant tiredness in prediabetics can occur for the following reasons:

• Insulin Resistance: The cells become less responsive to insulin, and this makes it difficult for the insulin to transport glucose molecules to the cells for energy production.
• Reduced Insulin Production: The pancreas may fail to produce sufficient insulin when there is insulin resistance in the body. This may further hinder the glucose absorption by cells for it to be utilised for energy production.
• Hampered Glucose Utilisation: Due to insulin resistance and reduced insulin production, the body ends up having more glucose than normal, especially after a glucose load.
• Poor Sleep: Hampered glucose levels lead to poor sleep, which can also be a reason for constant tiredness.

Those who have prediabetes might have constant fatigue that impairs their ability to focus, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Example: You’ve had your coffee, got 8 hours of sleep, but still feel drained by midday—this persistent fatigue could be more than just stress.

2. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar levels can cause the lens to swell, causing distorted vision. This condition can also cause damage to blood vessels in the eyes, which leads to fluid leakage, tissue detachment, and new blood vessel growth, all of which can cause the vision to become blurry. 

A blurry vision that is intermittent and affects either one or both eyes could indicate prediabetes and an increased risk of diabetes.

Example: If you notice difficulty reading your phone screen or street signs, and your vision improves and worsens frequently, it’s worth getting your blood sugar checked.

3. Slow-Healing Cuts and Frequent Infections

When blood sugar is high, wounds take longer to heal, and there is a risk of infection. This includes slow healing of minor cuts and bruises as well as increased infections, such as those related to skin, gums, or the urinary tract.

Example: A minor kitchen cut that takes weeks to heal or recurrent yeast infections might be your body’s way of alerting you to elevated glucose levels.

4. Dark Patches on the Skin (Acanthosis Nigricans)

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder that causes thick, dark patches of skin to form in the folds and creases of the body, especially in the neck, armpits, elbows, and knees. It is frequently linked to insulin resistance, which is one of the main signs of prediabetes.

Example: If you notice these patches developing and they don’t lighten with exfoliation or creams, it could indicate insulin sensitivity problems.

5. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

One of the body’s natural reactions to high blood sugar is to flush it out through urine. This leads to increased urination, which in turn causes dehydration and excessive thirst. These symptoms often go hand in hand.

Example: If you find yourself waking up multiple times during the night to urinate or constantly needing water, these could be early signs of prediabetes.

6. Unexplained Weight Gain or Weight Loss 

Insulin resistance hampers glucose utilisation for energy and promotes lipogenesis. As a result, affected individuals often experience weight problems, which may manifest as abdominal obesity or failure of weight loss strategies even with dietary control as well as physical exercise.

Example: Despite following a balanced diet and being physically active, you’re still gaining weight or unable to shed extra pounds.

7. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet

Nerve damage, which is common in diabetic patients, may start before diabetes. Prickling, insensitivity, or a burning feeling in hands and feet could mean that there is some neuropathy due to elevated hyperglycemia.

Example: You wake up with numb fingers or feel a tingling sensation in your feet after sitting—this shouldn’t be brushed off.

8. Increased Hunger or Cravings for Sugary Foods

If your body cannot use insulin well, you will always feel hungry even after meals and want to eat sweet or starchy food.

Example: You had a full meal, but you’re reaching for a cookie an hour later—this could be linked to fluctuating blood glucose levels.

How to Respond to These Warning Signs

If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it’s crucial to act early. Here’s how:

1. Schedule a Blood Test: A fasting blood sugar test, an A1C test (also called an HbA1C test), or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) can confirm whether you have prediabetes.
   
2. Consult a Specialist: Visit HCG Hospitals, a leading multispecialty hospital in India, for a complete evaluation. This hospital offers comprehensive endocrinology and diabetology services to help diagnose and treat prediabetes early.
   
3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
   

• Diet: Focus on high-fibre, low-glycaemic foods. Limit refined sugars and processed foods.
  
• Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
  
• Weight Management: Losing even 5–7% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of progressing to diabetes.
  

4. Monitor Regularly: Monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Regular checkups can help you stay ahead.
   
5. Consider Medical Intervention: Sometimes, doctors might give prescriptions for medications such as Metformin that will assist in controlling the level of sugar in blood as well as enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Prediabetes is a wake-up call, not a life sentence. If you see fatigue, unclear sight, or some dark spots on the skin, you should understand that it’s high time for you to do something and prevent the occurrence of diabetes. By paying attention to these symptoms and taking proactive steps, like visiting a nearby hospital for a diagnosis, you can safeguard your health.