Unfortunately, though 24 million individuals have been diagnosed with diabetes, estimates indicate that an additional 5.7 million individuals have diabetes without knowing. Diabetes is an umbrella term for several illnesses associated with the body’s usage of sugar, i.e. glucose.
Glucose is pivotal for our health and well-being as it is a major energy source for the cells which make up the tissues and muscles. Also, it fuels the brain. When a person has diabetes, they have excessive glucose in the blood. The causes may be of different types. If the high glucose levels are not regulated, they can cause numerous health complications.
This is why it is vital that we recognize the early warning symptoms and consult our physician to address the problem timely and if possible, reverse it (this is possible with gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes).
Continue reading the article to learn about the major indicators of diabetes.
4 Early Indicators of Diabetes
- Poor skin quality
Did you know that diabetes may lead to the formation of dark skin patches, particularly in the elbows, back of the neck, and the knuckles area? These skin changes happen because of Acanthosis nigrican and often times; they may be linked with diabetes. High blood sugar is known to encourage the growth of melanin and skin cells. In most cases, weight management (losing weight) or consulting a dermatologist for a topical ointment can help.
2. Changes in hearing
Diabetes, among other things like aging, can influence the hearing negatively. In one study, pre-diabetes was linked to increase in loss of hearing, i.e. 30 percent. According to researchers, diabetes damages the nerves and blood vessels in the ears, leading to poor hearing.
3. Improved vision
Even though diabetes is more commonly connected with a blurry or poorer vision, in some cases, it may actually improve the eyesight. Namely, this may happen because the illness may change the levels of fluid in the body and this will include the eyes. As a result, on one day, your vision may be optimal and the following days not. This being said, regardless of whether the change with your vision is good or bad, it is vital that you consult your physician.
4. Constant itchiness
With diabetes, it is not uncommon for the skin to become too itchy. Because diabetes influences the blood flow, the skin may become dry and itchy. If you cannot find relief in moisturisers and creams, you should get your skin checked out and test your blood sugar levels.
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