Diabetes can develop gradually, and some of its early warning signs may seem like ordinary changes that are easy to overlook. A man may notice that he is thirstier than usual or making more trips to the bathroom without realizing that these could be signs of high blood sugar.
Recognizing the symptoms early is important because untreated diabetes can eventually affect the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes, and other parts of the body. Here are four signs men should not ignore.
1. Frequent urination and excessive thirst
High blood sugar can cause the kidneys to remove extra glucose through urine, which can make you urinate more often than usual. Losing more fluid can then make you unusually thirsty, causing you to drink more water and still feel thirsty. If you find yourself frequently waking up at night to urinate or constantly needing water without an obvious reason, it is worth getting your blood sugar checked.
2. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or exercise routine can sometimes be a warning sign of diabetes. When the body cannot properly use glucose for energy because of insufficient insulin or insulin resistance, it may begin breaking down stored fat and muscle for energy instead. If you are losing weight unexpectedly, especially alongside increased thirst or frequent urination, speak with a healthcare professional.
3. Constant tiredness and weakness
Feeling unusually tired even after getting enough sleep can sometimes be linked to high blood sugar. When glucose cannot effectively enter the body’s cells to provide energy, you may feel weak, exhausted, or lacking energy throughout the day. Persistent unexplained fatigue should not simply be blamed on stress or a busy lifestyle, particularly when other symptoms are present.
4. Slow-healing cuts or frequent infections
High blood sugar can affect the body’s ability to fight infections and heal properly. A small cut or wound may take longer than expected to heal, and some people may experience repeated infections, including skin or urinary infections. If you regularly notice wounds taking unusually long to heal or infections occurring repeatedly, it is important to get checked rather than ignoring the pattern.
Having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have diabetes, because they can have other causes. However, if you notice several of them together or they persist, consider getting a blood glucose test and speaking with a healthcare professional.