Recognizing the early warning signs of diabetes can save your life.

About 38 million Americans have diabetes. Of those 38 million, nearly nine million don’t even know they have the disease. If you don’t have symptoms or don’t know what to look for, the disease can easily go undetected, but there are important warning signs to look out for.

Diabetes, often called the “silent killer,” can go undetected for years if you don’t recognize the warning signs. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure and vision problems.

“Unless you go for regular check-ups and have your blood levels checked, you are probably fine. That’s why prediabetes and even type 2 diabetes can be a ‘silent disease’,” Professor Massey said.

Some important warning signs to look out for include increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. To prevent these ailments, Massey says exercise is key.

“Exercise, I always say, is free medicine for the body. It lowers blood sugar levels and I definitely recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day,” Massey said.

She also recommends a healthier diet that includes eating whole foods, fruits and vegetables and reducing sugar and alcohol consumption. Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, losing weight and quitting smoking are also important.

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, don’t wait. Consult a doctor immediately. For more information about diabetes and its treatment, visit diabetes.org.