Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed.
For those living in or around Vienna, VA, understanding the signs and symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes is critical to preventing long-term health issues and maintaining a high quality of life.
At Tysons Family Care, we help patients understand and manage their diabetes. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, it’s important to recognize when the condition is not well controlled and when it’s time to seek medical help.
Here are the key signs and symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes and when you should reach out to a healthcare professional.
Key Signs and Symptoms of Uncontrolled Diabetes
If you are living with diabetes, it’s important to be vigilant about the symptoms that may indicate your blood sugar levels are out of control.
Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
One of the first signs that your blood sugar levels are too high is frequent urination. When blood sugar levels become elevated, your kidneys try to remove the excess sugar by flushing it out through urine. This causes you to urinate more frequently, especially during the night. If you notice that you are getting up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom, it may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)
As you urinate more frequently, your body loses fluids, leading to dehydration. This can trigger an intense feeling of thirst, known as polydipsia. If you find yourself drinking more water than usual and still feeling thirsty, it could be an indication that your blood sugar is not well-controlled. This can lead to a vicious cycle of drinking more fluids and urinating more often.
- Extreme Hunger (Polyphagia)
Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the body’s ability to use glucose properly for energy. As a result, even if you eat, your body may still feel like it is starving because it is not able to effectively absorb and use the glucose from food. This can lead to extreme hunger, known as polyphagia. If you find yourself constantly feeling hungry, even after eating, it could signal that your blood sugar levels are out of balance.
- Fatigue
When your body is not using glucose properly, it cannot produce the energy needed for normal activities, leading to persistent tiredness and fatigue. Feeling unusually tired or fatigued, even after a full night’s sleep, is a common sign of uncontrolled diabetes. This can significantly affect your ability to work, exercise, or perform daily tasks.
- Blurred Vision
High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from your lenses, which affects your ability to focus. If you experience blurred vision, it may be a result of uncontrolled diabetes. In the long term, persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Slow Healing of Cuts and Infections
Uncontrolled diabetes can impair your body’s ability to heal. If you notice that small cuts, wounds, or infections are taking longer to heal than usual, it may be a sign that your blood sugar is too high. Diabetes can affect circulation and the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections and repair damaged tissue.
- Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet (Neuropathy)
Nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy, is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation, particularly in the hands and feet. This can progress to more severe symptoms and even cause difficulty with mobility and coordination.
- Unexplained Weight Loss
While diabetes can cause increased hunger, it can also lead to unintended weight loss, even if you are eating regularly. This occurs because the body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy when it cannot effectively use glucose. If you experience sudden and unexplained weight loss, it is important to consult with your doctor as this may be a sign of poorly controlled diabetes.
- Frequent Infections
People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, and yeast infections. High blood sugar can weaken the immune system and create an environment in which bacteria and fungi can thrive. If you experience frequent infections or notice that infections are taking longer to heal, it could be related to diabetes.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to take action and seek medical help.
At Tysons Family Care in Vienna, VA, our experienced team can help you assess your symptoms and make a plan for managing your diabetes. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe dehydration (dry mouth, extreme thirst, dizziness)
- Confusion or difficulty staying alert
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Fruity-smelling breath (a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can occur when the body starts breaking down fat for energy)
If you are already managing diabetes, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular
How Tysons Family Care Can Help
At Tysons Family Care in Vienna, VA, we offer comprehensive care for diabetes management. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, our healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your unique needs.
We focus on patient education, monitoring, and lifestyle modifications to help you manage your condition and prevent complications.
If you notice any signs of uncontrolled diabetes or have concerns about your blood sugar levels, don’t wait. Call us at 703-596-9188 to schedule a consultation with us today.
Early intervention and consistent care are key to maintaining a healthy, active life despite diabetes.
