November is Diabetes Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on your metabolic health. Many people believe they’ll feel a warning sign if they start developing diabetes. At Kenilworth Primary Care in Kenilworth, New Jersey, Dr. Bhavani Jeereddy wants you to know the truth.
Waiting for physical symptoms to appear is a risky strategy. In a 2023 study of 135 adults, 84.4% of those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had no symptoms.
Because early-stage diabetes is silent, the real "signs" to watch for are your personal risk factors and clinical numbers. Here are six critical indicators we monitor to protect your health.
Your age is one of the most important signs that it’s time to check your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetes screening should begin at age 35 for the general population. We provide routine screening during your annual physical exam to catch metabolic changes early.
Your weight is a key physical indicator that your body might struggle with insulin resistance. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults who are overweight or obese. If you fall into this category, we can design a personalized plan to help you manage your risk.
A fasting blood sugar test measures the glucose in your blood after you haven’t eaten overnight. According to the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. We perform these standard laboratory tests right here in our office.
An A1C test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past few months. The American Diabetes Association notes that diabetes is diagnosed at an A1C of 6.5% or higher. This test is highly reliable because it doesn’t require fasting and reflects your long-term metabolic health.
If you experience rapid weight loss or extreme thirst over a few weeks, this is a major warning sign. However, these sudden symptoms typically point to type 1 diabetes rather than type 2. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly over many years, which is why regular screening is so vital.
Many people mistake nerve tingling or blurry vision for early warning signs of diabetes. In reality, these symptoms indicate that high blood sugar has already caused long-term damage to your nerves and blood vessels. We want to catch and manage your blood sugar long before these complications occur.
Taking control of your health starts with knowing your numbers. This Diabetes Awareness Month, don’t wait for symptoms to sneak up on you. Schedule a visit with Dr. Jeereddy at Kenilworth Primary Care to ensure you stay as healthy as possible.
