In my career as a family doctor, I have met many people with diabetes who are new to their diagnosis and tend to overlook symptoms that may seem ordinary but are actually quite critical before being diagnosed. One particularly common case is a retired teacher in his seventies, who mentioned during a routine check-up that he had been getting up frequently at night to go to the toilet lately, and at first he thought it was just a small problem that older people often have, and he didn't pay attention to it.
However, as time went on, he found himself needing to get out of bed several times a night, accompanied by a constant feeling of thirst that was difficult to relieve even after drinking a lot of water. At a chance party, an old friend of his, who is also a doctor, heard him describe these symptoms and suggested that he come to me for further examination.
Through a detailed interview and blood sugar test, we found that his blood sugar levels were well above the normal range, and these symptoms were actually a precursor to diabetes. If it weren't for his friend's timely advice, the gentleman might have continued to ignore the symptoms until his condition worsened.
Frequent wake-ups at night
Why frequent waking up at night may point to diabetes
When blood sugar levels in the body are abnormally high, the kidneys need to filter more blood to remove excess sugar. This process produces a large amount of urine, which leads to getting up multiple times during the night to go to the toilet. If you find yourself suddenly getting up at night to urinate more often than usual, it could be that your body is telling you that there is something wrong with your blood sugar levels.
Monitoring and diagnosis
Recording frequency: Start recording the number of times you wake up to go to the toilet each night. Record for a week in a row to see if there is a consistent trend.
Watch for other symptoms: In addition to frequent night wake-ups, watch for other common symptoms of diabetes, such as unusual thirst, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss.
Talk to your doctor: If you wake up significantly more often at night and are accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to contact your doctor as soon as possible for a blood sugar test.
Advice on seeking medical advice
When you make the appointment, explain your specific symptoms to your doctor, including changes in the frequency of waking up late and any other possible symptoms of diabetes. Your doctor may recommend an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test to determine if you have diabetes.
Always feeling thirsty before bedtime
Why can thirst be a precursor to diabetes?
When blood sugar levels in the body rise, our kidneys need more water to filter and dilute the excess sugar, which is why high blood sugar can make you feel thirsty. In addition, increased urine output due to high blood sugar can also dehydrate the body, further exacerbating thirst.
How do I self-monitor and when to seek medical help?
Monitor your thirst: Pay attention to how often you feel thirsty at night, especially if you don't drink much water at night but still feel thirsty frequently.
Blood sugar self-test: If you observe persistent thirst, it is a good idea to purchase a home blood glucose tester. It is best to take a blood glucose test in the morning before waking up (on an empty stomach) and two hours after eating.
Record and consult your doctor: Keep a simple diary to record your thirst and any associated symptoms, such as frequent urinary urgency, blurred vision, etc. Take these records with you to your GP or endocrinologist.
If your blood sugar test results are often higher than normal, or if you have persistent thirst problems, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible for further testing and treatment.
Leg cramps occur during the night
Diabetes and night leg cramps: Why is this happening?
Diabetic patients have a disrupted balance of water and electrolytes in the body due to high blood sugar, especially the balance of sodium and potassium. This imbalance is even more pronounced when the body tries to get rid of excess sugar by increasing the amount of urine. As a result, the loss of sodium and potassium can lead to muscle cramps, especially at night, when the body is at rest and can feel these changes.
How to deal with night leg cramps?
Monitor your blood sugar: The first step is always to check and control your blood sugar. Use a home blood glucose meter to test regularly, especially on days when leg cramps occur.
Electrolyte supplementation: It is important to ensure adequate potassium and sodium intake, but do so as directed to avoid overdose. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and diabetes-friendly sports drinks can help.
Proper exercise: Light to moderate exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help improve blood circulation and muscle function.
See your doctor promptly: If self-management methods don't work, your doctor may need to step in to adjust your treatment plan.
As a doctor, I hope that this article will remind every patient who has experienced similar symptoms, especially the elderly, not to ignore these warning signs that may be a precursor to diabetes. Regular blood glucose testing and communication with your doctor are key. If you experience frequent leg cramps during the night, it may be time to get it checked. Don't wait until you can't stand it, early prevention and early treatment are the best strategies to fight diabetes.