Your Scale Lies: Signs You Might Have Diabetes Even If You Look “Healthy”
Introduction:
It’s easy to assume that if you look healthy, you must be healthy—but that’s not always the case. Many people are surprised to find out they have diabetes despite having normal weight and appearing fit. Diabetes can develop without any obvious signs, and the number on the scale isn’t always the best indicator of your health. In this article, we’ll dive into the key signs that you might have diabetes—even if you look perfectly healthy—and why the scale doesn’t always tell the full story.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, while Type 2 diabetes is often linked to insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Both types can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a range of health problems.
While Type 2 diabetes is more commonly linked to being overweight or obese, it’s important to understand that even people of normal weight can develop the condition.
1. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
Why It Happens: One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the excess glucose. Eventually, the kidneys can’t keep up, leading to glucose spilling into the urine, which pulls water from the body and causes frequent trips to the bathroom.
What to Look For: If you find yourself urinating more frequently, especially at night, it could be an early sign of diabetes. Even if you’re not overweight, frequent urination can be a warning sign that your body is struggling to process sugar properly.