Crores of Indians live with diabetes, and a large number of them do not know their sugar levels are high. The reason is that the early signs are mild and easy to dismiss as everyday tiredness or simply getting older. That is why so many people search every day for “diabetes ke lakshan“, Hindi for “symptoms of diabetes”. This article explains, in simple English, the common and the hidden signs of diabetes, who needs to be especially careful and when to get tested.
What is diabetes?
Most of the food we eat is converted into glucose (sugar), which enters the blood. A hormone called insulin moves this glucose into the cells so the body can use it for energy. When the body does not make enough insulin, or the insulin does not work properly, glucose builds up in the blood. This is diabetes. In India the most common form is type 2 diabetes, which usually develops gradually.
The common symptoms
1. Frequent urination
When blood sugar is high, the kidneys try to flush the excess out through urine. This means passing urine often, especially having to get up at night.
2. Increased thirst
Frequent urination dehydrates the body, so the mouth feels dry and you are thirsty all the time.
3. Increased hunger
Because glucose is not reaching the cells, the body feels short of energy even after a meal, and hunger persists.
4. Unexplained weight loss
In some people, particularly when sugar is very high, the body starts breaking down muscle and fat for energy, and weight drops suddenly.
5. Constant tiredness
Feeling weak and exhausted despite eating adequately is one of the most common signs of diabetes.
6. Blurred vision
High blood sugar changes the fluid in the lens of the eye, which can make vision blurry.
The hidden symptoms
People often overlook these signs:
- Cuts and wounds that take a long time to heal
- Repeated skin, gum or urinary infections
- Recurrent vaginal infections in women
- Tingling, numbness or burning in the hands and feet, which may point to diabetic neuropathy
- Dark, thickened skin on the neck or armpits, which is linked to insulin resistance
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating
Many people do not recognise these as “sugar ke lakshan” (signs of high sugar), and testing gets delayed.
Who needs to be more careful?
- Anyone whose parent or sibling has diabetes
- People who are overweight, particularly around the waist
- Those who are physically inactive
- People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or who have PCOS
- All adults over 30, because diabetes in India is increasingly appearing at a younger age
Prediabetes: the warning stage
Diabetes is often preceded by a stage called prediabetes, when sugar is higher than normal but has not yet crossed the diabetes threshold. There are usually no symptoms at this stage. The encouraging part is that attention to weight, diet and exercise at this point can greatly reduce the chance of progressing. Recognising prediabetes in time is therefore very important.
When and how to get tested
If you have any of the symptoms above, or you belong to a high-risk group, see a doctor and ask for these tests:
- Fasting blood sugar: after 8 to 10 hours without food
- Post-meal sugar (PP): two hours after a meal
- HbA1c: the average sugar level over roughly the past three months
An HbA1c of 6.5 percent or above is generally considered diabetes, and 5.7 to 6.4 percent falls in the prediabetes range. Always have your report explained by a doctor.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Extreme thirst, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing or feeling faint
- Sudden, large weight loss
- A wound on the foot that is red, swollen or warm
These can signal a serious situation that needs immediate treatment.
The Ayurvedic perspective
Ayurveda describes diabetes as prameha and madhumeha, linking it to Kapha dosha, weak digestive fire and a diet heavy in sweet, rich food. Its main recommendations are a regular daily routine, light and timely meals, daily exercise and avoiding sleep during the day. Any herb or medicine should be taken only on the advice of a qualified doctor, especially if you are already on diabetes medication.
A simple self-check
Ask yourself these questions once a month:
- Am I getting up to urinate more than once most nights?
- Am I unusually thirsty or tired for no clear reason?
- Have I lost weight without trying?
- Do small cuts take weeks to heal?
- Do my feet tingle or feel numb?
If you answer yes to two or more, book a blood test rather than waiting for the next annual check-up. Early detection costs a few hundred rupees; late detection can cost your kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart.
Conclusion
Diabetes ke lakshan are mild at the start, so recognising them and getting tested in time is the most important step. If you notice frequent urination, excessive thirst, tiredness, slow-healing wounds or tingling in the feet, do not put it off. With early diagnosis, the right diet, regular exercise and your doctor’s supervision, diabetes can be controlled well.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor before starting or changing any treatment.
