[18M] Experiencing multiple symptoms including nocturia and blurred vision

Patient Description

An 18-year-old male reports experiencing frequent urination at night, occasional blurred vision with small floaters, particularly when looking at a phone screen at night, and delayed wound healing. He also experiences dizziness upon standing, hair loss on his legs, clammy skin, tingling sensations in his hands and feet, intermittent leg pain that resolves on its own, occasional nausea, and cold hands and feet. The patient reports increased thirst at night and sometimes feels more tired than usual, but denies unexplained weight loss, changes in weight, or episodes of confusion. He has a history of fatty liver diagnosed five years ago but no current pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. The patient has been vaping daily for about two years and is not taking any medications or known to have any allergies. There is no family history of diabetes, and he has not been tested for diabetes or had blood sugar levels checked.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations:

Diabetes or Prediabetes: Your symptoms, such as frequent urination at night, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, tingling in hands and feet, and increased thirst, could be indicative of diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes can affect blood circulation and nerve function, leading to these symptoms. A blood test to check your blood sugar levels would be a typical step in diagnosing this condition.
Peripheral Neuropathy: The tingling in your hands and feet, along with leg pain, could be related to peripheral neuropathy, which is often associated with diabetes but can also occur due to other causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or nerve damage.
Circulatory Issues: The cold hands and feet, hair loss on your legs, and clammy skin might suggest issues with blood circulation. This could be related to peripheral artery disease or other vascular conditions.
Vision Strain: The blurred vision when looking at your phone at night could be due to digital eye strain, which is common with prolonged screen use, especially in low light.

What you can do

Diabetes or Prediabetes:

It's important to see a healthcare provider to get your blood sugar levels checked. Early diagnosis and management can prevent complications.
Maintain a balanced diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low in processed sugars and fats.
Regular physical activity can help manage blood sugar levels.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Circulatory Issues:

Consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests to assess nerve function and circulation.
Avoid smoking and vaping, as these can worsen circulation issues.
Keep your feet clean and dry, and check them regularly for any wounds or changes.

Vision Strain:

Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Ensure your screen is at eye level and use adequate lighting to reduce strain.

General Health:

Consider using MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share insights with your healthcare provider.
Stay hydrated and get adequate rest to support overall health.

What you should look out for

If you experience any sudden changes in vision, severe pain, or symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
Monitor for any new symptoms or changes in your current symptoms, and report these to your healthcare provider.
If you notice any signs of infection in slow-healing wounds, such as redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical care promptly.

Remember, while this information can be helpful, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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3 mo ago

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