Diabetes is a typically lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. The majority of patients usually have type 2 diabetes, which is often caused by lifestyle factors like being overweight and not getting enough exercise.
Charity Diabetes UK estimate that more than 5.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is “an all-time high”. Their data shows that almost 4.6 million people in the UK live with a diagnosis of diabetes. Additionally, nearly 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed. Like any condition, some signs and symptoms can point to it, and Doctor Mohan Sekeram, who goes by @docmerton on TikTok, has shared three that are “red flags”.
1. Frequent urination
Typically, people urinate between four and seven times daily. If you find yourself going to the toilet more frequently, particularly waking up several times during the night, it could indicate that your kidneys are working hard to eliminate excess sugar from your bloodstream.
Try limiting liquids after 7pm and steering clear of caffeinated drinks after 5pm. If you keep waking up multiple times at night to use the bathroom, it might suggest another issue is at play.
2. Excessive thirst
If you’re consuming over four litres daily and water isn’t satisfying your thirst, it might be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels.
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3. Tiredness
When sugar is unable to enter your cells to provide them with energy, your kidneys must work extra hard to eliminate the excess sugar. This can result in feelings of tiredness, weakness and fatigue.
It’s a “red flag” if you notice that you are too weak to perform daily tasks that you used to do effortlessly, or you feel drained after having a meal.
Dr Amir Khan also sees tiredness as a key symptom of diabetes. In a recent health podcast called No Appointment Necessary, he said: “Tiredness is the most common presenting symptom of type 2 diabetes.”
