Type 2 diabetes has common symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, and hand numbness. But there are also hidden symptoms not typically associated with diabetes. Watch out for these 5 signs that could signal blood sugar problems.
- Loud and Frequent Snoring
Dr. Osama Hamdy from Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston says nearly half of type 2 diabetes patients have sleep breathing problems. If you snore loudly while sleeping, check your blood sugar. A Canadian study found 23% of people with moderate or mild sleep apnea are at risk of getting diabetes in 5 years. Although not scientifically proven, there seems to be a connection, perhaps due to stress hormones during sleep that raise blood sugar. - Unusual Skin Changes
Skin changes can be a sign of high blood sugar. Notice dark spots on elbows, joints, or the back of your neck? Check your blood sugar. Dr. Sanjiy Saini, a dermatologist, says these spots indicate high blood sugar, along with genetic or hormonal issues. The dark color comes from melanin stimulated by more insulin. These skin changes may mean you already have diabetes. Once blood sugar normalizes, laser therapy or topical Retin – A can treat the dark patches. - Difficulty Hearing
Having hearing problems, especially hearing loss? Get a blood sugar test. A National Institute of Health study shows hearing loss can be linked to diabetes. Experts say diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, causing hearing loss. People with high blood sugar have a 30% higher risk of hearing issues than those with normal levels. - Sudden Vision Improvement
If you’ve always worn glasses and suddenly don’t need them, diabetes could be the cause. Dr. Howard Baum from Vanderbilt University says diabetes can affect vision, both for the worse and better. Some patients’ vision improved when blood sugar was high, but they needed glasses again after treating diabetes. Diabetes changes vision as body fluid movement, which can reach the eyes, is stimulated. - Constant Itchiness
If you’re constantly itchy and can’t stop scratching, see a doctor. It could be a hidden diabetes symptom. Diabetes irritates and dries the skin and reduces blood flow. Dr. Baum says newly – diagnosed diabetes patients often had itching on hands, lower legs, and feet. So, if these symptoms occur, get a blood sugar test. If moisturizers don’t help, see a doctor soon.