Are you just aging - or could you have diabetes?

More of us are at risk of developing diabetes than ever before. 

Our risk goes up after age 45 – and according to the American Diabetes Association, about 8 million of us have it and don’t even know it. Unfortunately, many people chalk up symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetes to aging and let it go undiagnosed. Some red flags worth mentioning to your doctor include:

• Hearing loss or blurred vision. Diabetes harms the blood vessels in the ears and eyes. It can make focusing more difficult and result in hearing loss.

• Low energy and irritability. Diabetes deprives the body of fuel which can leave you feeling tired, hungry and cranky.

• Frequent urination and extreme thirst. Without treatment, diabetics can get very thirsty and overwhelm the kidneys.

• Tingling hands and feet. If you experience numbness, dry and itchy skin or find wounds take longer to heal, you could have diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetes can be gradual and very subtle, so it’s important to pay attention. It can make a big difference if you can catch it early, delay or event prevent it.