By Dr. S.A. Rehman, General Medicine, Associate Prof. Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital(NIIMS), Noida International University (NIU)-

What does an undiagnosed diabetes mean?

Undiagnosed diabetes occurs when a person has diabetes but has not yet been diagnosed by a medical expert. This indicates that the person may have high blood sugar levels and other symptoms, but they are unaware of it due to a lack of medical diagnosis.

Is it the same as prediabetes?

Prediabetes, on the other hand, is a stage before type 2 diabetes in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classed as diabetes. It is considered an at-risk state for developing diabetes if preventive steps are not implemented.

Signs to recognize an undiagnosed diabetes – why is it important to detect the condition early?

Recognizing the symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes is critical since early discovery enables immediate intervention and control. Diabetes, if not detected and treated, can cause major health issues. Some warning indications include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, weariness, impaired eyesight, sluggish wound healing, and recurrent infections.

Complications associated with undiagnosed diabetes?

Complications from undetected diabetes can be serious and impact multiple sections of the body. Complications may include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye difficulties (retinopathy), foot problems, skin diseases, hearing loss, and an increased risk of infection.

Early detection and care of diabetes, including lifestyle changes, medication (if necessary), and regular monitoring, can help reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health.

If you have any worries about your health or feel you may have undetected diabetes or prediabetes, you should seek counsel from a healthcare expert for thorough diagnosis and guidance.