5 Surprising Signs of Diabetes That Can Come Up During the Holidays

It is the season of family, celebration, and, of course, splurging on food. The holiday festivities are certainly something to look forward to and the temptation to disrupt healthy eating habits is everywhere. Changes in daily routines as well as not being able to control what food is served can be a challenge for all. For seniors, caregivers, and their families, it is smart to be aware of the sometimes subtle and surprising signs of diabetes, especially around the holidays.

Here are a few things to look for as you and your loved ones navigate through the feasts and treats of the season.

Surprising Signs of Diabetes to Watch Out For

Being Thirsty All the Time

Excessive thirst and subsequently more frequent urination are one of the most common signs that blood sugar levels might be too high. Too much glucose in the blood is hard on the kidneys. When kidneys have a difficult time absorbing and filtering excess sugar, it causes dehydration and a feeling of thirst. Dehydration can also cause dry skin and over-dry eyes. Eating as close to usual times as possible, eating slowly, and refraining from over-eating can help seniors outsmart holiday feast indulgences.

Blurring Vision and Focus

When glucose levels spike after a meal, seniors' vision may become blurry. Elevated blood sugar can affect the blood vessels in the eyes causing loss of focus and blurred vision. Changes in vision, especially after eating, is a warning sign of a potential rise in glucose levels. Seniors can meet the challenge of keeping those levels down by filling up on healthy vegetables and checking their blood sugar more often during the holidays. Those on medication might ask the doctor for necessary adjustments.

Noticing Dark Patches on the Skin

The development of dark patches, particularly in the folds of the skin on the neck or armpits could indicate an excess of blood sugar. High insulin levels in the bloodstream can cause skin cells to reproduce faster than they normally do. The new cells contain more pigment that can sometimes result in the formation of dark, itchy skin patches. The CDC recommends keeping portions small and using smaller plates to keep glucose levels down while enjoying holiday foods.

Feeling Overly Exhausted

It is natural to feel more tired than usual with all the extra activity the holiday season brings. But excessive fatigue could be a sign that blood glucose levels might be out of control. Fatigue is a side effect of several possible conditions including dehydration, diabetes-related complication, and insomnia. Sleep loss makes it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels and that, in itself, can zap seniors' energy. Getting enough exercise and aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night can help make the holidays more jolly.

Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet

One of the surprising signs of diabetes—and often overlooked—is a feeling of numbness or tingling in the limbs. High blood sugar can cause damage to nerve endings. Neuropathy, as it is called, is usually associated with people who have had diabetes for some time. But the numbness and tingling sensations can occur any time blood glucose levels are poorly controlled. Noticing it and treating it quickly can mitigate the spread to other parts of the body.

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