Diabetes is a serious and typically lifelong condition which causes your blood sugar levels to become too high.
While it is not known exactly what causes type 1 diabetes, among type 2 patients this is often linked to factors such as being overweight and not exercising enough. However, it can also run in families.
As with any condition or illness the sooner you spot the symptoms of diabetes, the sooner you can seek medical help.
While there is no cure for diabetes, there are treatments available to help ease symptoms.
An expert spoke with Express.co.uk about some of the warning signs of diabetes to look out for.
Doctor Deborah Lee, from the Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, said: “Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when your pancreas doesn’t make the right amount of insulin.
“This means your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be.
“There are different types of diabetes – type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy).
“The most common is type-2 diabetes – 90 percent of those with diabetes in the UK have type-2 diabetes.”
Around 4.3 million people in the UK are currently living with a diagnosis of diabetes.
Dr Lee said: “But a further 850,000 have diabetes but don’t know it.
“In the early stages diabetes has few if any symptoms. It’s vital that those people who have diabetes but are unaware go and get tested.
“We need to raise awareness and get people to come forward, and see their GP.”
Symptoms of diabetes
Dr Lee warned of some unusual symptoms people might not be aware of that affect the feet.
These include:
- Numbness of the feet
- Painless blisters
- Reddish brown rings on the skin
- Athlete’s foot.
She said: “Bullosis diabeticorum are painless blisters which can occur on the backs of the hands, the feet, the legs and the forearms.
“Granuloma annulare is more common in diabetics and appears as reddish brown rings that occur on the fingers, hands and feet.
“Fungal skin infections are more common in diabetics – including intertrigo, athlete’s foot and ringworm.”
Other signs of diabetes to look out for include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- A dry mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Needing to pass urine frequently
- Itchy skin
- Acanthosis nigrans – dark velvety patches on the skin, the neck, the armpits or groin
- Changes in your vision, blurred vision
- Erectile dysfunction.
What to do if you think you have diabetes
Dr Lee added: “If you think you or your child could have diabetes, seek medical help without delay. Make an urgent appointment with your GP or call NHS 111.
“You should also see your GP if you think you are at high risk of developing diabetes.
“The earlier diabetes is diagnosed the better the outcome. Don’t ignore any warning signs or symptoms – get help as soon as you can.”
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