Diabetes impacts nearly 100 million Americans; however, the good news is that high blood sugar can be treated with the assistance of a health care professional. To protect yourself from medical complications, every patient should know the symptoms that indicate this condition. This is especially true for pregnant women, as gestational diabetes can lead to higher blood pressure and a high risk of preterm labor. With November marked as National Diabetes Month, review these warning signs, and visit your women’s health center to speak with your gynecologist if you’re experiencing any of these issues.

Top 3 Warning Signs of Diabetes & Gestational Diabetes That Cannot Be Ignored

1. Blurred Vision

One major complication in patients with diabetes is hypoglycemia. This refers to severely low levels of sugar or glucose in the blood which make it difficult for your body to function normally. When your blood sugar levels are extremely low, blurred vision is a common symptom.

2. Tingling Hands & Feet

On the other end of the spectrum, high blood sugar can damage nerve pathways throughout your body. When glucose levels spike frequently, your nervous system sends signals to your hands and feet, known as diabetic neuropathy. While pregnant women may experience aches and pains as the baby develops, this tingling sensation indicates a bigger issue that should be reviewed and treated by a pregnancy care specialist at a women’s health center.

3. Excessive Thirst

When left untreated, diabetes causes glucose to build up in your blood. In time, your kidneys will not be able to keep up, and sugar will be excreted through frequent urination. This process drags other fluids out of your tissues and, thus, you’ll feel thirsty at all times. While drinking eight cups of water per day is healthy, feeling the need to consume twice that for comfort should be a red flag that inspires you to call your women’s health center.

Thameside ObGyn Centre is known throughout New London County, CT, for providing respectful, compassionate health care in a professional setting. If you’re looking for an experienced women’s health center that strives to offer comprehensive OB-GYN services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call this clinic today at (860) 445-5107 to schedule an appointment with a trustworthy gynecologist. For additional insight into their specialties, from high-risk pregnancy care to managing infertility, visit their website.