AnnaMaria
Early Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. In its early stages, the symptoms can be so mild that many people overlook them. However, early detection is essential. If left untreated, diabetes can significantly impact quality of life and even shorten life expectancy.
Here are some of the most common early signs of diabetes to watch for:
1. Itchy Skin
When excess sugar is flushed out through urine, it draws moisture from the body—including the skin. This can cause dryness, irritation, and itchiness. Scratching dry skin may result in damage or infection. Additionally, people with diabetes are more prone to fungal infections, which can also cause persistent itching.
2. Dark Patches on the Skin
A skin condition called acanthosis nigricans often appears as dark, velvety patches in areas where skin folds—such as the neck, armpits, groin, or joints. Although it can affect healthy individuals, it’s commonly linked to insulin resistance and may indicate prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
3. Constant Hunger
Experiencing excessive hunger, even shortly after eating, could be a sign of diabetes. When the body can’t use insulin effectively, it struggles to convert food into energy. This leads to ongoing hunger and higher blood sugar levels after meals. If your appetite remains unusually high, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
4. Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet
High blood sugar can damage nerves, especially in the extremities. This can cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes. Poor circulation is often the culprit, and this symptom is a common warning sign of diabetes-related nerve damage.
5. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
Needing to urinate more often—especially at night—and feeling constantly thirsty are two of the earliest and most common symptoms of diabetes. When glucose builds up in the blood, the kidneys work overtime to filter it out, leading to dehydration and the need to drink more. This creates a cycle of thirst and urination.
6. Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep, may be linked to diabetes. The body’s inability to use glucose efficiently leads to low energy levels. Dehydration from frequent urination also contributes to persistent fatigue. While fatigue can result from many causes, when combined with other signs, it should not be ignored.
7. Blurred Vision
High blood sugar levels can cause fluid shifts that affect the lenses of your eyes, resulting in blurry vision. Although this is usually temporary and reversible with proper blood sugar control, untreated diabetes can lead to long-term eye damage and even blindness.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine can be a red flag. When the body can’t access glucose for energy, it begins breaking down fat and muscle instead. This leads to sudden and unexplained weight loss, especially in people with type 1 diabetes, though it can occur with type 2 as well.
9. Slow-Healing Wounds
Cuts, sores, or bruises that heal more slowly than usual may signal high blood sugar levels. Poor circulation and increased inflammation slow the body’s ability to repair damaged skin, particularly in the lower legs and feet. If you notice wounds that are taking longer to heal, speak with your healthcare provider.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Diabetes can cause serious complications if it goes undetected. Recognising early symptoms and seeking medical attention can lead to earlier diagnosis, better management, and a healthier, longer life. If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait—book an appointment with your doctor for testing and advice.
