Introduction

Diabetes is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed conditions in India. Nearly 1 in 6 adults have diabetes, but half remain undiagnosed until complications set in [1]. Early detection through testing can prevent kidney failure, blindness, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the early signs helps you take charge of your health before it’s too late.

1. Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively regulate blood glucose due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. There are two main types:

Type 1: Autoimmune, where the body destroys insulin-producing cells.
Type 2: Lifestyle-related, linked with obesity, inactivity, and poor diet.

2. Early Warning Signs of Diabetes

Increased thirst and frequent urination
Unexplained weight loss
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds
Frequent infections
Fatigue and irritability

If these persist, immediate testing like HbA1c Test or Fasting Blood Sugar Test is recommended.

3. Risk Factors

Family history of diabetes
Overweight or sedentary lifestyle
High blood pressure or cholesterol
PCOS in women
Age over 40 years
History of gestational diabetes

4. Key Diagnostic Tests

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Normal: 70–99 mg/dL
Post-Prandial (PPBS): Normal: <140 mg/dL
HbA1c: Reflects 3-month average glucose; <5.7% is normal
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Confirms borderline or gestational diabetes

Seralis Lab’s Diabetes Checkup Package includes all these tests along with lipid and kidney markers for complete assessment.

5. Prevention and Lifestyle Management

Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in refined carbs.
Exercise 30 minutes daily to improve insulin sensitivity.
Monitor blood sugar regularly.
Reduce stress through yoga and meditation.
Get annual checkups even if you feel healthy.

FAQs

Can diabetes be reversed?

Type 2 diabetes can be managed or even reversed with early lifestyle interventions, weight loss, and strict blood sugar monitoring.

How often should I test for diabetes?

People above 30 or with risk factors should test annually. Those with prediabetes should test every 3–6 months.

References

Key Takeaways

Diabetes is underdiagnosed in India, affecting 1 in 6 adults with early detection crucial for preventing severe complications.
The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 (autoimmune) and Type 2 (lifestyle-related).
Early warning signs include increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision; testing is recommended if symptoms persist.
Key risk factors include family history, obesity, and age over 40; annual testing is essential for those at risk.
Lifestyle management includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction to help manage or potentially reverse Type 2 diabetes.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Early Signs of Diabetes and the Importance of Testing