Introduction.
Diabetes is called "a disease that progresses without notice. In the early stages of the disease, there is little pain or discomfort, and in many cases, the disease has progressed by the time it is noticed.
However, diabetes is a disease that can be adequately controlled with early detection and lifestyle modification. In this issue, we will explain the early symptoms of diabetes, signs of the body, and points to see a doctor as soon as possible.
1. what is diabetes mellitus - a disease in which blood sugar levels remain high
Diabetes is a disease in which glucose (blood sugar) in the blood is chronically high. Insulin (a hormone that lowers blood sugar) becomes insufficient or ineffective, resulting in a condition in which energy cannot be used properly.
Two typical types are
- Type 1 diabetes: autoimmune reaction prevents insulin production
- Type 2 diabetes: Lifestyle and genetic factors make insulin less effective.
About 95% of Japanese people have type 2 diabetes, which is largely related to diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress.
Symptoms in the early stages of diabetes
Early symptoms of diabetes are "signs that the body is sending out an SOS due to persistently high blood glucose levels. Check out the main symptoms.
(1) Thirsty, drinks a lot of water
When blood glucose levels are high, the body tries to expel the excess sugar in the urine. In doing so, water is also lost, resulting in thirst and polydipsia.
(2) Increased frequency of urination and nocturia
The process of eliminating sugar from the urine increases urine output. Repeated trips to the bathroom during the night may be a sign of diabetes.
(3) Weight loss
If weight loss occurs while food intake remains the same, energy is not being used properly and muscle and fat may be broken down. This is especially important when weight loss occurs over a short period of time.
(4) Malaise and tiredness
Blood sugar is not taken up by the cells, resulting in lack of energy and fatigue.
(5) Blurred vision
If blood sugar levels remain high, the fluid balance in the eye is disturbed, making it difficult to focus. If left untreated, it may progress to "diabetic retinopathy.
(6) Wounds are difficult to heal and easily infected
Blood flow may deteriorate and the immune system may be weakened, making it difficult for skin wounds and infections to heal.
(7) Numbness in limbs
In the early stages of diabetic neuropathy, numbness and abnormal sensation in the hands and feet may occur (discussed in more detail in the next article, "Diabetic Hand Numbness").
3. why early symptoms can easily be missed
In early diabetes, symptoms are often mild and thought to be "due to fatigue" or "due to age.
In addition, blood glucose levels of 140-160 mg/dL are unlikely to cause subjective symptoms, and it is not uncommon for them to be first noted during a physical examination.
4. tests to be taken for early detection
Diabetes can be easily confirmed with a blood test.
- Fasting blood glucose: Possible diabetes mellitus at 126 mg/dL or higher
- Diagnosed with HbA1c (average of blood glucose over the past 1-2 months) 6.51 TP3T or higher
- Blood glucose at any time: even above 200 mg/dL helps diagnosis
- Urine sugar test: Be careful if there is sugar in the urine.
At Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, in addition to these blood glucose and HbA1c measurements, we combine fundus examination, ABI, and carotid echo to assess the risk of complications at an early stage.
5. lifestyle improvements that can be made in the early stages
Diabetes can be improved only by lifestyle changes in the early stages.
- Diet: Not too much carbohydrates, but enough protein and vegetables
- Exercise: Walking 30 minutes at least 5 days a week
- Sleep: 6 to 8 hours.
- Smoking cessation and sobriety: preventing vascular damage
Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic is working to improve diabetes, MASLD (fatty liver), hypertension, and dyslipidemia across the board through a physician-led exercise therapy program and medical diet.
summary
- Early symptoms of diabetes include thirst, polyuria, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.
- Regular blood glucose checks are important because the disease often progresses without awareness.
- In the early stages, lifestyle modifications are sufficient to control the disease.
- Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and early intervention for diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.
References
- The Japan Diabetes Society. Diabetes Care Guide 2024-2025.
- ADA (American Diabetes Association). Standards of Care in Diabetes 2024.
- International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th Edition, 2023.
Diabetes Series - Related Article List
1. Know the basics of diabetes
- What is Diabetes - Why does blood sugar rise? Causes and Mechanisms Explained
Introduces the root causes of diabetes, including "insulin resistance," "heredity," and "lifestyle," which are all related to the development of diabetes, in an easy-to-understand manner. - Early Symptoms of Diabetes - Don't Miss the Early Detection Signs
Early signs that are difficult to recognize, such as thirst, polyuria, and weight loss, are carefully explained. - Diagnostic criteria for diabetes - Difference between HbA1c, blood glucose and OGTT and latest criteria
It summarizes the numerical values used for diagnosis and the key points of the recently revised diagnostic criteria. - Diabetes Testing - Comprehensive evaluation of blood, urine, and even complications
Introduction to the comprehensive examination system available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, including fundus examination, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.
2. Treatment and lifestyle modification
- Diabetes Treatment - Protecting Blood Sugar and Blood Vessels with Diet, Exercise, and Medication
Explains treatment strategies to "prevent complications" rather than "lower the numbers. - Diabetes Diet - Control Blood Sugar Effortlessly with Locavore
A practical diet that emphasizes how to eat, not what not to eat. - Diabetes and Exercise - Muscle is Medicine! The Science of Aerobic x Muscle Training
The benefits of exercise to directly lower blood sugar and how to create an easy to follow exercise routine. - Drug Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus - Latest Treatment Policies and Multi-Drug Approaches
The characteristics of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are compared, and the latest treatment trends are presented.
3. To prevent complications
- Complications of diabetes - Complication measures to remember with "shimeji" and "enoki" mushrooms
The six major complications of neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, gangrene, stroke, and cardiac disease are explained together. - Neuropathy due to diabetes - Mechanisms and countermeasures for numbness and pain in hands and feet
Early signs of peripheral neuropathy and ways to improve life that should be done early. - Diabetes and Renal Dysfunction - Importance of Urine Albumin Testing and Habits to Protect
Practical approaches to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent dialysis. - Diabetes and Eye Disease - Causes of Blurred Vision and Early Detection of Retinopathy
Explains how fundus camera examinations work and the risks of neglect.
4. Prevention and early intervention
- Prevention of Diabetes - Reduce blood sugar waves and make your body less prone to diabetes.
Introduces diet, exercise, and sleep regimens to "get in shape before it happens," rather than "fix it after it happens. - Characteristics and constitution of people prone to diabetes - Self-check that you can do now
Early intervention is recommended by sorting out the risk of developing the disease, including heredity, fatty liver, and lack of exercise.
5. Our features and support system
- Lifestyle-related disease treatment at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic - Cross-cutting management of diabetes, MASLD, hypertension and dyslipidemia
Includes a comprehensive evaluation system including physician supervised exercise therapy, locavore diet support, fundus, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.