Diabetes is a chronic condition that often develops quietly, with early symptoms being mild or unnoticed. If untreated, it can cause serious problems like nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision issues.
Sadly, many early warning signs are mistaken for minor health problems or ignored. Spotting these subtle clues early helps you manage your health before it worsens.
If you have any of the following nine symptoms, consult a doctor for a diabetes screening.
A dark, velvety skin patch on the neck, armpits, groin, or elbows could be an early sign of diabetes or prediabetes. This is acanthosis nigricans, linked to insulin resistance, which shows the body has trouble regulating blood sugar. The patches are thicker and darker than the surrounding skin, sometimes slightly raised. While not dangerous, it signals underlying metabolic problems.
Unexplained weight loss can be a red flag for diabetes, especially type 1. When the body can’t use glucose for energy due to insulin issues, it breaks down fat and muscle, causing rapid weight loss despite normal or increased appetite. If you lose significant weight without changing diet or exercise, see a doctor.
Fluctuating blood sugar can affect eyesight, causing temporary blurred vision. High blood sugar makes fluid build up in the eye’s lens, hampering focus. Over time, it can damage retinal blood vessels, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness. If you have frequent vision changes, get your blood sugar checked.
Diabetes can raise triglyceride levels, leading to eruptive xanthomatosis, which shows as small, yellowish bumps on the buttocks, thighs, elbows, or knees. These bumps are tender, itchy, reddish or yellow, and more common in those with high cholesterol and uncontrolled diabetes. If you suddenly get small, itchy bumps, especially with other diabetes symptoms, test your blood sugar.
Feeling constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep, can be an early sign of diabetes. The body struggles to turn glucose into energy, causing chronic exhaustion, trouble concentrating, and mental fog. This fatigue isn’t just lack of sleep; it’s due to unstable blood sugar.
Excessive thirst and frequent urination are common early symptoms. High blood sugar makes kidneys work harder to filter glucose, producing more urine. This leads to constant thirst, more bathroom trips (especially at night), and dehydration. If you drink more but still feel dehydrated, it means your body can’t regulate blood sugar well.