Diabetes warning signs – the 5 early symptoms you shouldnt ignore

Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Often the early signs of diabetes are put down to minor health conditions or changes in lifestyle and diet. But persistent symptoms need to be checked out by a GP – so if you have any of the following, book an appointment with your doctor – as getting diagnosed quickly and receiving the right treatment are essential to avoid developing serious health complications.

Blurred vision

Diabetes can change your eyes, making focusing your vision more difficult.

Consistently high blood glucose and high blood pressure can cause serious damage to your blood vessels, which are very important in the eyes as they supply blood to the light-sensitive retina.

This can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, and can also cause other issues like cataracts and glaucoma.

READ MORE: Type 2 diabetes: The warning sign of high blood sugar

Frequent urination

The average person needs to urinate around four to seven times in any 24 hour period.

But those with diabetes tend to need to use the loo a lot more, as the body doesn’t reabsorb glucose as much as it should.

This causes the kidneys to create more urine.

Intense thirst

The need to use the loo more often will make you thirstier, as the body retains less fluid.

These two symptoms essentially work in tandem – the more you need to urinate, the more your body will alert you to a lack of fluids, meaning you become thirsty much quicker.

The lack of retained water can also give you a dry mouth, which will make you feel thirstier too.

DON’T MISS
Paul Sinha health: Chaser ’embracing life’ with chronic condition [INSIGHT]
The six most concerning dangers of black mould [ANALYSIS]
How to live longer: The healthy food that could slash your cancer risk [INSIGHT]

Itchy or dry skin

Again, because of frequent urination, the body is less capable of retaining liquid.

This can make your skin feel dry and itchy as if you have a skin condition.

But it’s actually down to a lack of moisture in the skin barrier – and is a key sign you could be diabetic.

Fatigue

Regardless of the time of day or how much you’ve slept, you may experience frequent or constant fatigue.

The body converts the food you consume into glucose to provide energy – but enough insulin is required for this to take place.

As diabetics have less insulin, the process is hampered, meaning you can feel lethargic and under the weather even though you may have been sleeping and eating well.

Source: Read Full Article