Introduction
If you’re concerned about your risk of diabetes, you’re not alone. Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions of people around the world. As a physician, I’m here to tell you that there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate you may have diabetes. In this article, I’ll discuss the #1 sign you have diabetes and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help manage your diabetes.
I’m a Physician and Here’s the #1 Sign You Have Diabetes — Eat This Not That
Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause serious complications if left untreated, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. As a physician, I’m here to tell you that the number one sign of diabetes is an increased appetite and cravings for sweet foods.
If you find yourself constantly craving sugary snacks and drinks, it could be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something. Eating too much sugar can lead to a spike in your blood sugar levels, which can be a sign of diabetes. It’s important to pay attention to your body and take action if you think you may have diabetes.
If you think you may have diabetes, it’s important to make changes to your diet. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for managing diabetes. Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks is also important, as these can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Instead, opt for healthier snacks like nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy products.
It’s also important to stay active and exercise regularly. Exercise helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and can help you manage your diabetes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, such as walking, jogging, or swimming.
If you think you may have diabetes, it’s important to speak to your doctor. They can help you manage your condition and provide you with the support you need. With the right lifestyle changes and medical care, you can live a healthy and happy life with diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes and chances are you know someone who has diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “37.3 million Americans—about 1 in 10—have diabetes. About 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it.” Diabetes is a serious disease that if left untreated can cause severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness and amputations. Keeping diabetes in check is key to living a healthy life and Eat This, Not That! Health talked with experts who explain symptoms of diabetes to watch out for, Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Nima Majlesi, ED physician at Staten Island University Hospital shares, “Constant thirst, constantly urinating and excessive hunger- This is the classic triad we see for diabetics. These three symptoms should definitely trigger concern to get checked by a physician ASAP. Any one of these can also exist alone. So, if you have symptoms, get checked. And the best test a physician can do is something called a Hemoglobin A1C which basically is a marker for how long your blood is having excessively elevated levels of glucose. The thirst and urination have a lot to do with the stress that elevated blood sugars place on the kidneys. The excessive hunger is due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose for energy. “
Dr. Majlesi says, “Recurrent infections, especially soft tissue infections and yeast infections; diabetes causes the immune system to work less efficiently. The most common infection will be of the skin. But also, recurrent yeast infections in women with no other apparent reason should also trigger concern for diabetes.”
According to Dr. Majlesi, “If you develop wounds that just don’t ever seem to heal normally, you should consider getting checked for diabetes. Diabetes inhibits wound healing in addition to increasing risk of infection.”
“Diabetes puts people at high risk for multiple medical issues including infections, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral vascular disease,” says Dr. Majlesi. “Diabetes should be managed under the guidance of a primary care physician or endocrinologist; multiple strategies should be employed including medications, dietary restrictions and exercise. Without aggressive management, the long-term consequences can be devastating for people as described above.”
Visceral fat is located deep in our abdomen and it wraps around our vital organs, which can cause health issues like some cancers, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Getting good quality sleep, reducing stress, exercising and having a healthy diet helps reduce visceral fat. Dr. Jonathan Adam Fialkow, cardiologist and lipidologist at Baptist Health’s Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute explains, “People who deposit energy (calories) in their visceral fat are at increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. This is a hormonal consequence, often, to overeating of processed and refined foods including sugars. Visceral fat is metabolically active and releases proteins and hormones that increase inflammation. Inflammation is a driver of coronary artery disease, hypertension, kidney disease and dementia. Visceral fat leads to insulin resistance which drives type 2 diabetes.”
Heather Newgen