Unexplained weight loss can seem as though it is a gift. After all, if you have been wanting to drop some pounds, suddenly having it disappear without any reason can seem like the universe is giving you a hand. That said, if you are dropping pounds without being able to explain why, it could be a sign of an underlying condition.
What Could Cause Unexplained Weight Loss?
A little bit of unexplained weight loss that doesn’t continue likely isn’t any reason for concern. A couple of pounds could just mean lost water weight. That said, if you’re losing weight rapidly or consistently without knowing why, it’s worth talking to your doctor. It may be that your lifestyle has changed in a way that you didn’t realize. However, it may also be something else.
It’s best not to ignore unexplained weight loss. The reason is that if it is a medical condition, it could be very easy to treat, but dangerous not to. It’s always a good idea not to take that risk.
Unexplained Weight Loss and Diabetes
One of the most common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes is unexplained weight loss. The majority of the symptoms of that chronic disease are very difficult to identify. For that reason, it can be left untreated for a long time before a diagnosis is achieved. If it is untreated for too long, it can easily lead to kidney damage and cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, since unexplained weight loss is among the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes that is most easy to identify, it should be a signal that a doctor’s appointment is necessary. At the doctor’s office, it is easy to test for the disease. It is typically as simple as blood sugar tests. This may involve more than one in order to receive a final diagnosis. It could include a regular blood test and/or a fasting blood sugar test.
Don’t Avoid Being Checked for Diabetes
The testing process is fast and simple and essentially painless. Certainly, nobody wants to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. However, getting a diagnosis as early as possible is very important. That way, the right changes can be made to help to prevent any of the other types of diseases, illness and damage that untreated diabetes can cause to the body.
Caught soon enough, lifestyle changes may be all that is needed, particularly at the beginning. Don’t ignore unexplained weight loss as it could save your life.