Diabetes is often described as a silent disease. And that’s no exaggeration. Many people live with high blood sugar for years without realizing it, until the first complications appear. But why is this the case?
1. The symptoms are “insidious”
High blood sugar does not always cause severe symptoms. Many people attribute symptoms such as:
fatigue,
thirst,
blurred vision,
frequent urination
…to stress, age, work or poor diet.
Thus, diabetes can progress without the patient suspecting what is happening.
2. The body adapts slowly
When blood sugar rises slowly over months or years, the body “gets used to” the changes. Symptoms do not appear suddenly. And so, the patient believes that everything is normal.
3. It doesn’t hurt – and that’s deceiving
Most people get excited when something hurts. But diabetes doesn’t cause pain in the early stages. This “silence” makes many people postpone testing or treatment.
4. The first damage is done without being seen
For years, high glucose can “work” silently, causing:
eye problems,
neuropathy,
kidney damage,
cardiovascular problems.
People often discover they have diabetes only when one of these problems appears.
5. Connection with the modern lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle, easy access to food, stress, lack of sleep – all contribute to diabetes. But many times people consider it “normal” to feel tired or not pay attention to their diet.
6. Denial and fear
Some people are afraid of the diagnosis and delay tests. Others find it difficult to accept that something is changing in their health. Fear often becomes part of the silence.
Diabetes doesn’t have to be a silent threat.
With a simple blood test and early diagnosis, most people can live a long, healthy, and active life.
If you have persistent symptoms or if you have risk factors, talk to your doctor.
Knowledge, prevention, and early care are the greatest powers we have against this disease.