Diabetes Symptoms: What You Need to Know - Traditional Chinese Medicine

Q: Diabetes Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Dear Anonymous User： The test results show no diabetes, but you are still concerned about developing diabetes. <br>You can have another blood test in three months. <br>If the results still show no diabetes, you can feel reassured. <br>Wishing you health and safety! Sincerely, Yen

About diabetes?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing increased urination after meals for the past 2 to 3 days (approximately once every 30-60 minutes after eating, and then again after a similar interval).
I recall having similar experiences after large meals in the past.
Additionally, I sometimes feel dryness at the back of my tongue and have been experiencing increased hunger (mainly a sensation of an empty stomach, which started about a month ago, occurring intermittently).
About 8 months ago, I developed a habit of occasionally eating late-night snacks (60% of the time).
A year ago, I had my fasting blood glucose tested, and it was well within the normal range.
Seven months ago, I experienced thirst (which I believe was not due to urination, but rather a sensation of dryness in my mouth, which disappeared about a month later).
Six months ago, during a military service health check, I was tested for diabetes (the report did not specify blood glucose levels), and the results were normal (negative).
I am about to start my military service (from July 12 to September 6), and I am very concerned that I might have diabetes.
To provide some additional context: I am 184 cm tall and weigh 62 kg, which I measured six months ago, and I am unsure if there has been any change (at least it is not visibly apparent).
Last week, I noticed that my fingers tremble occasionally when I maintain a turtle-like posture, which happens sporadically.
Recently, I have been somewhat indulgent, and I have always tended to scrutinize my body closely, which makes me anxious.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I appreciate your help.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/02

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Anonymous User: The test results show no diabetes, but you are still concerned about developing diabetes.
You can have another blood test in three months.
If the results still show no diabetes, you can feel reassured.
Wishing you health and safety! Sincerely, Yen Su-Mei, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2018/07/02

More Info

Understanding diabetes symptoms is crucial, especially for individuals who may have a family history of the disease or exhibit early warning signs. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to a range of symptoms and complications if left untreated. The symptoms you are experiencing—frequent urination, dry mouth, and increased hunger—are indeed common indicators of diabetes, particularly when they occur together.

Frequent urination, or polyuria, occurs when excess glucose in the bloodstream spills over into the urine, pulling water along with it and leading to increased urination. This can result in dehydration, which may explain your dry mouth. Increased thirst (polydipsia) often accompanies this symptom as the body attempts to compensate for the lost fluids. The sensation of hunger (polyphagia) can also be linked to diabetes; when insulin is not effectively transporting glucose into cells, the body may signal hunger in an attempt to obtain more energy.

Given your family history of diabetes, it is wise to be vigilant about your health. While your previous blood tests showed normal glucose levels, the symptoms you describe warrant further investigation. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including fasting blood glucose tests and HbA1c tests, to assess your blood sugar levels over time.

Your concerns about weight and lifestyle changes are also important. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing type 2 diabetes, and your current BMI suggests that you are on the lower end of the spectrum. However, weight alone does not determine diabetes risk; factors such as diet, physical activity, and family history play significant roles. If you have recently adopted a habit of late-night snacking, it may contribute to fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, especially if the snacks are high in carbohydrates or sugars.

The symptoms of trembling fingers and anxiety you mentioned could be related to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, particularly if you are experiencing episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to irregular eating patterns. It is essential to maintain a balanced diet and regular meal times to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

In summary, while your symptoms may not definitively indicate diabetes, they are concerning enough to warrant further testing. It is essential to monitor your health closely, especially with your family history. Lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can significantly impact your overall health and help mitigate the risk of developing diabetes. If you continue to experience these symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.

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