Don't Let Diabetes Sneak Up on You: Recognize These 6 Early Signs

Diabetes doesn’t always come with dramatic symptoms. In fact, it usually sneaks up slowly, with subtle changes that are easy to overlook or attribute to other factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, or the natural aging process. 

But catching diabetes early can make a significant difference in how it’s managed and how much it affects your life. 

Whether you’re at risk or just want to stay informed, Shaghayegh “Sherri” Tavassoli, DO, at Beverly Hills Medical Institute in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, is here to help..  

Consider these six early warning signs of diabetes and when it’s time to schedule a visit to protect your health and well-being. 

1. Frequent urination (especially at night) 

Are you suddenly getting up more often to pee, especially during the night? That could be more than just staying hydrated. 

High blood sugar causes your kidneys to work overtime to filter out the excess glucose, which ends up in your urine. That leads to more trips to the bathroom. 

Here’s what to watch out for: 

• Urinating more than usual, even when you’re not drinking a lot 
• Waking up multiple times at night to urinate
• Feeling like you never fully empty your bladder 

If this is a new pattern for you, it’s worth mentioning to Dr. Tavassoli. 

2. Constant thirst 

It’s one thing to be thirsty after a workout or a salty meal, but if you’re reaching for your water bottle all day long and still feeling parched, it could be your body trying to balance blood sugar. As you lose more fluids through frequent urination, your body becomes dehydrated, which triggers an intense, persistent thirst. 

Red flags include: 

• Feeling thirsty even after drinking water
• Dry mouth or scratchy throat 
• A cycle of drinking and urinating that never seems to end 

It’s time to look deeper into what your body may be signaling if you’re constantly hydrating but never feel satisfied. 

3. Fatigue that won’t go away 

We all get tired from time to time, but diabetes-related fatigue is more than just being sleepy. It’s a profound, unshakable exhaustion. When your body can’t properly use insulin to convert sugar into energy, your cells are left running on empty (even when you’re eating regularly). 

You might notice: 

• Feeling drained after simple tasks
• Needing more naps than usual 
• Struggling to stay alert or focused 

Don’t ignore those signs — if your energy levels are crashing despite a good night’s sleep, something may be wrong. 

4. Blurred vision 

Having trouble seeing clearly? Don’t assume you just need new glasses. High blood sugar can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell, which affects your ability to focus. Vision changes to watch for include: 

• Blurry or fuzzy sight 
• Difficulty reading or seeing at a distance
• Vision that changes throughout the day 

Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to long-term eye damage, so early intervention is key. 

5. Slow-healing cuts and frequent infections 

A simple scrape or bug bite that takes forever to heal might be more than just a nuisance. High blood sugar can slow down circulation and impair your body’s natural healing process, making it easier for wounds to get infected and harder for them to heal. 

Look out for: 

• Cuts or bruises that linger
• Frequent skin infections
• Recurring yeast or urinary tract infections 

6. Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet 

Lastly, this symptom can be easily missed at first. However, it’s one of the more serious early signs of diabetes. High glucose levels can damage nerves over time, leading to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. 

Here’s what this may feel like: 

• Pins-and-needles sensation in the feet or hands
• Numbness in your fingers or toes
• Burning or stabbing pain in your legs or feet

Nerve damage can become permanent if diabetes isn’t managed early, so don’t wait to get this checked out. 

Ultimately, diabetes doesn’t always show up with bold or dramatic symptoms. It often starts quietly, with signs that are easy to ignore, until the damage is done. 

Ready to take charge of your health?

If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above, don’t shrug them off. Call us at 310-688-8080 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tavassoli today!