Early Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition with high blood sugar levels, affecting about 11% (37.3 million) of the US population, per the Cleveland Clinic. Early signs often go unnoticed. Early diagnosis and treatment are key, so it’s important to know these signs. Here are nine early signs of diabetes:
- Skin Tags
Skin tags (acrochordons) are harmless growths, some attached firmly, some on a stalk. They’re common on underarms, groin, neck, and eyelashes. Usually benign, they can signal type 2 diabetes. See a doctor to find the cause. - Appearance of Small Bumps
People with diabetes may have high triglyceride levels (a blood fat). High levels can cause eruptive xanthomatosis, small bumps on the skin. They’re yellowish on light skin and grayish on dark skin, often on thighs, buttocks, knees, and elbows, and can be itchy and tender. - Feeling Unusually Drained
Feeling tired sometimes is normal, but fatigue (feeling drained all the time) is different. It’s common in type 1 and 2 diabetes, caused by factors like being overweight, diabetes meds’ side effects, and blood sugar changes. - Dark Patches of Skin
Dark, velvety patches on armpits, groin, and neck (acanthosis nigricans) are an early sign of prediabetes and diabetes. It’s not contagious. While some without health issues get it, it often signals an undiagnosed condition like prediabetes or diabetes, linked to insulin resistance. See a doctor. - Feeling Thirsty and Needing to Urinate Often
Early signs of diabetes include constant thirst and frequent urination. High blood sugar makes kidneys work harder. If they can’t handle it, excess glucose leaves in urine, drawing fluids and causing dehydration and thirst. - Blurry Vision
In diabetes, the body doesn’t produce or respond to insulin (which gives glucose to cells). High blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, including in the eyes, leading to diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Blurry vision can happen when the lens swells. Doctors suggest controlling blood sugar before an eye exam for accurate prescriptions. - Wounds That Take a Long Time to Heal
Consistently high blood sugar can harm the body’s healing process. It damages blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the skin, reducing circulation needed for healing. High blood sugar also weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. - Unexpected Weight Loss
Some weight fluctuation is normal. But drastic weight loss without diet or exercise changes may be an early diabetes sign. It happens quickly (weeks to months) because cells don’t absorb glucose well, so the body breaks down fat and muscle. - Tingling and Numb Skin
Numbness and tingling are signs of prediabetes, caused by high blood sugar damaging small nerves (diabetic neuropathy). It can also cause a burning feeling in feet, hands, and arms and a feeling like socks are bunched under toes. Note these signs and see a doctor; a blood test can check for prediabetes.