Seven Signs You Could Have Diabetes

The symptoms are not always obvious, and many people could be suffering with the condition for years before they learn they have it.

Every week 4,500 people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes across the UK.

However, experts warn thousands could be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

The condition, which can be caused by being overweight and poor diet can cause blindness, limbs to be amputated - every week diabetes causes 150 amputations - and even kidney failure.

People also need to ensure they look after their feet properly as high levels of blood glucose can cause foot problems.

This can stop nerves working so people might not feel when they have cut their feet or burned themselves.

The main symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:

Urinating more often than usual - particularly at night

Excessive urination can be triggered by excess glucose in the blood which interferes with the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.

Feeling thirsty

Kidneys have to work harder in people with type 2 diabetes. Puldisia is the term given to excessive thirst.

Diabetes.co.uk said: “If you feel thirsty all the time or your thirst is stronger than usual and continues even after you drink, it can be a sign that not all is well inside your body.”

Feeling tired

Feeling tired could be a symptom of many conditions - but it can be caused in people who have low blood sugar.

Itching around the penis or vagina

Thrush - a yeast infection - tends to affect warm, moist areas of the body such as the vagina, penis, mouth and certain areas of skin.

Thrush is more common in people with diabetes as high sugar levels cab cause yeast to grow. A dry mouth with more glucose in saliva can also trigger the infection.

Cuts or wounds which heal slowly

Diabetes can affect the immune system, putting people at greater risk of infection. Increased blood sugar levels also stiffen the arteries and cause narrowing of the blood vessels and affect circulation, which can affect wound healing.

Blurred vision

Diabetes eye problems occur when blood glucose levels are left untreated. The most common condition associated with diabetes is retinopathy which can be caused by high blood pressure associated with diabetes.

Weight

Being overweight can cause type 2 diabetes because people have added pressure on their body’s ability to use insulin properly to control blood sugar levels - and are more likely to develop the condition.

However undiagnosed or untreated type 1 diabetes can make people lose weight.

There are treatments available to help people monitor their diabetes.

Some people with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin, or medication which can control blood sugar levels, stimulate cells in the pancreas to help it work help the intestine absorb starchy food - slowing down the rise in blood sugar after meals.

Doctors argue it is crucial to spot the signs of prediabetes as early as possible to type 2 diabetes developing.

If undiagnosed or untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes; which is treatable but not easily reversed.

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