The early signs of diabetes are often subtle and easy to ignore. While diabetes can be managed in the long run, if left untreated, the disease leaves high amounts of glucose in the body, which can damage your blood vessels as well as your nerves, and internal organs like your liver and kidneys. If you do not want to suffer the repercussions of diabetes, make note of these early signs so that you can see your doctor and rule out any other health risk.

1. You Make Frequent Trips to the Bathroom

Having to run to the washroom more than a few times at night can be a sign that your blood sugar levels are out of whack. So if you are having to use the washroom during each commercial while watching a show on television, get yourself checked. Best Fruits for Diabetics: From Apples to Plums, 5 Low Glycemic Index Fruits for Diabetes.

2. You Often Get Urinary Tract Infections

When your blood sugar is very high and your kidneys can't filter it well enough, sugar ends up in your urine. More sugar in urine in a warm, moist environment can cause yeast infections, especially in women. Diabetes Mellitus: Include These 5 Foods in Your Diet To Lower Blood Sugar.

3. You Experience Vision Problems

High sugar levels in your blood can potentially distort the lenses in your eyes, thereby deteriorating your vision. So if you notice changes in the number of your glasses or suddenly experience vision problems, you are probably diabetic.

4. You Lose Weight Drastically

If you are a diabetic, your body will not be able to use glucose as effectively for energy. Your body will instead start burning fat stores, which can, in turn, lead to drastic weight loss. Diabetes Sugar Substitutes: From Honey to Stevia, 5 Best Sweeteners for Diabetics that are Better Than Sugar.

5. You Notice Skin Discolouration

If your skin suddenly looks dark in the folds of your neck or your knuckles, check yourself for diabetes. This skin condition is known as acanthosis nigricans which is caused by insulin resistance in your body.

6. You Always Feel Fatigued or Exhausted

Several underlying conditions such as kidney damage and dehydration can make you feel exhausted but diabetes can also be a persistent cause of exhaustion. The feeling of tiredness that comes with high blood sugar levels in your body can interfere with your daily activities.

You may tend to rationalise the symptoms until they get worse but regular testing can put you in the know. If your family has a history of diabetes, you must start testing at an early age. Make sure you are one step ahead of this disease by knowing what you're up against.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 11, 2019 11:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).