Thursday, November 6, 2025

"I Wake Up Thirsty at Night"... Erectile Dysfunction and Irregular Periods Could Be Early Signs of 'This Disease' [What Disease Is This?]

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2025-11-05 19:00:00
Updated
2025-11-05 19:00:00
Photo=Getty Image Bank [Financial News] "Lately, I've been feeling unusually thirsty and often wake up at night to drink water.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
Early symptoms are often subtle, making early detection difficult.However, if you experience these signs, you should consider the possibility of diabetes.Seven Early Symptoms of Diabetes.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
Feeling Sleepy After Meals Is Also a Sign Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which abnormal insulin secretion or action leads to persistently high blood glucose levels.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
When insulin does not function properly, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells.
As the body tries to eliminate the excess sugar, 1) Frequent urination and severe thirst can occur.2) Feeling excessively sleepy after meals is also a major early symptom of diabetes.When insulin is ineffective and glucose cannot enter the cells, the brain perceives the body as being in an 'energy-deficient state,' resulting in fatigue and drowsiness.For this reason, 3) Increased hunger and overeating may also occur.Additionally, diabetes can cause 4) Unexplained weight loss as well.Since cells cannot utilize glucose, the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy, which can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and fat, resulting in weight loss of up to 5kg in a month.5) Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and muscle cramps at night are symptoms of peripheral nerve dysfunction caused by high blood sugar.
Elevated glucose levels reduce blood flow to the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and other sensory abnormalities.In men, narrowing of blood vessels and nerve damage in the penis can result in 6) Erectile dysfunction.In women, 7) Recurrent vaginitis and cystitis, and irregular menstrual cycles may also occur.The Dangers of Diabetes Complications.Vision Loss or Even Limb Amputation Normal fasting blood sugar levels are between 70 and 100 mg/dL, and less than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating.A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher is diagnosed as diabetes.
If the level is between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it is considered prediabetes, and without lifestyle changes, there is a high risk of developing diabetes within three to five years.5% or higher is also used to diagnose diabetes.HbA1c indicates the amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin and reflects average blood sugar control over the past two to three months.The complications of diabetes are particularly concerning.Diabetic complications are largely divided into two categories based on the affected blood vessels.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
Photo=Getty Image Bank [Financial News] "Lately, I've been feeling unusually thirsty and often wake up at night to drink water.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
Complications from damage to small blood vessels include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic foot disease.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
Complications involving large blood vessels include diabetic cerebrovascular disease and diabetic cardiovascular disease.Patients with long-standing diabetes may experience severe aftereffects, such as vision loss or lower limb amputation, significantly reducing their quality of life.Good Habits for Preventing Diabetes ◆ Annual Blood Sugar Testing for High-Risk Groups If one parent has diabetes, the child's risk of developing the disease is two to three times higher.If both parents have diabetes, the risk for the child increases up to 70%.Additionally, being over 40 years old or having a body mass index (BMI) over 25 triples the risk of diabetes.In such cases, it is advisable to visit a hospital annually for fasting and post-meal blood sugar tests, as well as an HbA1c test.Eat Foods That Help Control Blood Sugar Foods that are good for blood sugar control include brown rice, oats, barley, tofu, spinach, broccoli, tomato, mackerel, and nuts.These foods are rich in fiber and protein, which help slow the rise in blood sugar.In contrast, 'Blood sugar spikes' can be triggered by refined carbohydrates (white rice, flour, sugar), sugary drinks, fried foods, and processed meats, all of which should be avoided.Although genetics play a significant role, diabetes is often caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits.If you have been diagnosed as at risk for diabetes but have not quit drinking or smoking, consider making a change before the year ends.
Blaming age or stress can cause you to overlook the disease.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
Photo=Getty Image Bank [Financial News] "Lately, I've been feeling unusually thirsty and often wake up at night to drink water.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
[What Disease Is This?] This column highlights early warning signs and prevention tips for diseases that are easy to miss in everyday life.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.

" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
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" Diabetes, often referred to as the 'national disease' in Korea, is a lifelong condition that requires constant management, causing significant stress for those affected.
sms@fnnews.com Seong Min-seo Reporter