Diabetes is one of the serious health issues that is rapidly increasing worldwide. Previously, it was considered a condition associated with aging, but now, younger people are also being affected. Poor dietary habits, a lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy lifestyle have significantly heightened the risks. Health experts point out that if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled for a long period, it can lead to serious complications involving the kidneys, heart, and eyes.

Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, and slow wound healing. However, there are other, less obvious signs that often go unnoticed. It is crucial to identify these in a timely manner.

Given the growing threat of diabetes, World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14th. The theme for World Diabetes Day for 2026–27 is "Early Action on Diabetes," with the primary objective of identifying the condition in its initial stages to mitigate risks.

First, let’s understand why diabetes occurs.

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either fails to produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin it produces effectively.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream.
When there is a deficiency of insulin or the body develops insulin resistance, glucose begins to accumulate in the blood.
If this persists over a long period, it can cause damage to various organs in the body.

Do you experience fatigue and weakness, even without significant physical exertion?

If you feel persistently tired and weak despite getting adequate rest, do not dismiss it as mere exhaustion. In diabetes, blood glucose levels rise; however, due to a lack of insulin or its ineffective function, the body's cells are unable to utilize this glucose efficiently.

This can lead to a lack of energy within the body. In some people, diabetes can also affect the quality of sleep, leading to persistent fatigue throughout the day.

Experiencing vision problems?

Frequent blurred vision can be a sign of high blood sugar. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause changes in the eye's lens, which may result in temporary blurred vision. Furthermore, if diabetes remains uncontrolled for a long period, the blood vessels in the retina can become damaged—a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.

Failure to seek timely diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious vision impairment.

Persistent dryness of the mouth and skin

If you experience frequent thirst and notice that both your mouth and skin feel dry, it could be a sign of high blood sugar. The body attempts to eliminate excess glucose through urine; this process can cause a significant loss of water, leading to dehydration. Consequently, you may experience a dry mouth, increased thirst, and dry skin.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms—along with issues such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss—you should get checked. Diabetes can be diagnosed through blood sugar and HbA1c tests.

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