Many people live with undiagnosed diabetes because the early symptoms can seem mild or harmless.
But knowing what to look for could make all the difference – and help you avoid serious long-term complications.
Frequent urination – especially at night
Do you often wake up at night to urinate?
High blood sugar causes the kidneys to work overtime to flush out the excess glucose, which can result in frequent trips to the bathroom.
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Unexplained fatigue
Even after a full night’s rest, you might still feel exhausted. When the body can't convert glucose into energy properly, it leads to a persistent lack of energy.
Sudden weight loss
If you're losing weight without trying, it could be a red flag. When your cells can't access glucose, the body starts breaking down fat and muscle to generate energy.
Genital itching and recurring yeast infections
High blood sugar levels create an ideal environment for fungal growth, especially in warm, moist areas – causing frequent discomfort and infections.
Slow healing wounds
Do small cuts or sores take unusually long to heal? Diabetes can impair circulation and weaken the immune system, slowing down your body's natural repair processes.
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Blurred vision
Blurry or distorted vision can result from high blood sugar damaging the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Left untreated, this can lead to permanent vision problems.
Constant thirst
If you're always thirsty, it might be more than just dehydration.
High blood sugar pulls fluid from your tissues, leaving you feeling dry and prompting excessive water intake.
Skin rashes and discoloration
Unexplained skin changes, such as red, scaly patches or painless blisters, can be early signs of diabetes-related skin conditions.
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These symptoms often go unnoticed but should not be ignored.
Hard, waxy skin
Especially on the hands, the skin may become thickened and stiff. This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes and can affect joint flexibility.
Lifestyle-linked risks
An unhealthy lifestyle is one of the major contributors to type 2 diabetes.
Being overweight, eating poorly, and avoiding exercise all increase your risk – but the good news is, they're also areas where change is possible.
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Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra Magasinet Helse, Express.uk og Videnscenter for Diabetes.