Deputy Chief Physician Ren Shuhong from Lanzhou Ruijing Diabetes Hospital stated that many diabetic patients often fall into a cognitive misconception: as long as the numbers on the blood glucose meter "look acceptable," the condition is not serious. Director Ren Shuhong pointed out thatThis is a dangerous misconception。

The severity of diabetes is a comprehensive assessment, and relying on a single indicator can easily underestimate the risk and delay treatment. Today, Director Ren Shuhong will explain this in the hope of assisting diabetes patients in their health management.

Five Key Signs of Worsening Condition

1. Diabetes type is fundamental

Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes differ in their pathological nature, and there are also variations in their severity and management difficulty.


Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where patients experience almost complete loss of pancreatic islet function and must rely on lifelong insulin therapy, with the condition typically being more acute and severe. Although Type 2 diabetes has a more gradual onset, if poorly controlled over the long term, the resulting vascular and nerve damage can also lead to serious consequences.


2. Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Is the Core Alert

Dr. Ren Shuhong emphasized,The severity of blood glucose levels cannot be determined solely by a single reading.In medicine, fasting blood glucose ranges are often used as a reference for general classification.

  • Mild7.0-8.4 mmol/L
  • Moderate8.4-10.1 mmol/L
  • SevereGreater than 10.1 mmol/L

More dangerous than simply high values is when blood sugar fluctuates dramatically like a roller coaster or remains elevated over the long term. This condition continuously damages both the microvascular and macrovascular systems throughout the body.


3. The occurrence of complications is a clear red light.

When diabetes begins to damage other organs, it indicates that the condition has entered a new stage.

  • NeuropathyNumbness, tingling, and hypoesthesia in the hands and feet.
  • RetinopathyBlurred vision with floating shadows.
  • Kidney DiseaseAbnormal fatigue, edema of the eyelids or lower limbs, increased foamy urine.

Once complications arise, they are often difficult to reverse.The focus of treatment will shift to slowing its progression and preserving residual function.


4. Skin changes are external signals

Some patients may develop it in skin folds such as the neck and armpits.Gray-brown, velvety thickened plaquesMedically known as acanthosis nigricans.

Doctor Ren Shuhong explained that this is not a common skin disease, but ratherA marker of severe insulin resistance in the bodyThis indicates that the metabolic disorder is already quite severe.


5. Recurrence of "Three Excesses and One Deficiency" Symptoms

If a diagnosed patient experiences significant recurrence of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss, this is a very clear signal:The current treatment regimen is no longer sufficient to control the condition.The loss of body energy caused by hyperglycemia is intensifying, and treatment must be adjusted immediately.


Condition worsens, four-step scientific response

Director Ren Shuhong emphasized that when the above warning signs appear, patients should not panic but respond systematically and scientifically.

Step 1: Seek immediate medical attention to adjust the treatment plan.

Do not adjust medications on your own. It is essential to communicate with your primary care physician as soon as possible. After a comprehensive evaluation, adjustments to oral medications or the initiation or intensification of insulin therapy may be necessary. Strict adherence to medical advice is the prerequisite for safety.


Step Two: Strengthen Lifestyle Interventions

  • DietMore refined carbohydrate management is required, adopting a low glycemic index diet, increasing vegetable and high-quality protein intake, and implementing small, frequent meals.
  • ExerciseUnder conditions where the body permits, maintain regular exercise, such as at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (brisk walking, cycling), combined with 2-3 sessions of resistance training per week (such as lifting dumbbells, resistance band exercises), which is crucial for improving insulin sensitivity.

Step Three: Regular Screening for Proactive Prevention

Establish and strictly implement an annual complication screening plan, including fundus examination, urine microalbumin/renal function, neuropathy assessment, and cardiovascular risk evaluation.Early detection and early intervention are key to avoiding serious complications。


Step Four: Focus on Mental Health and Seek Support

Long-term management of chronic diseases can lead to psychological stress. Proactively seeking understanding from family members, joining formal patient support groups, or undergoing necessary psychological counseling can help maintain a positive mindset and improve treatment adherence.

Living with Sugar, Managing with Optimism

Director Ren Shuhong stated that although diabetes cannot be completely cured at present, it is entirely preventable and controllable. It is more like a "partner" that requires long-term rational communication and management.


The real risk comes from neglect, delay, and misconceptions about the disease. When the body sends the five warning signs mentioned above, it is crucial to take them seriously, but there is no need to despair.


Modern medicine offers a wealth of management tools, and through close collaboration between doctors and patients as well as comprehensive management, the vast majority of patients can maintain their condition in a stable state and enjoy a high quality of life.