Early diabetes often has no symptoms, so regular screening with HbA1c or fasting glucose is crucial to detect the disease before complications arise.

Five warning signs to watch for include increased urination, excessive thirst, unintentional weight loss, skin changes such as skin tags or acanthosis nigricans indicating insulin resistance, and slow wound healing.

Skin changes like skin tags and acanthosis nigricans may indicate insulin resistance and diabetes risk.

Screening tests are typically included in standard lab workups conducted by a physician, reinforcing the value of proactive health checks.

The American Diabetes Association recommends all adults get screened for diabetes by age 35, especially those with risk factors such as family history, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes, or overweight/obesity.

Urinary frequency and thirst can be caused by high blood sugar but may also result from other conditions; a doctor should evaluate these symptoms to determine if diabetes is the cause.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition affecting about 12% of people in the United States, with many cases undiagnosed, underscoring the importance of screening.

Dr. Alyssa Dominguez emphasizes screening before symptom onset to enable timely treatment and prevent major complications.

While symptoms are important, regular testing remains the most definitive method for diagnosing diabetes, with HbA1c or fasting glucose tests as standard options.

Weight loss can occur due to unregulated insulin causing the body to burn fat or muscle for fuel, signaling potential diabetes when rapid or unexplained.