Let’s talk about diabetes symptoms!
Diabetes is one of the most popular health issues in the world, with roughly 1.5 million Americans being diagnosed every year and more than 500 million adults worldwide. This occurs when a patient’s body doesn’t produce insulin, like in type 1, or doesn’t use it properly, as in type 2. Whatever the case might be, both of them result in too much sugar or glucose in the blood.
Unfortunately, many people have no idea they suffer from this health issue because some diabetes symptoms are quite hard to notice. We’ve talked to different doctors about some uncommon diabetes symptoms people might experience without even knowing, and you need to know about them. If you want to be healthy and on top of your game, here are all the hidden diabetes symptoms you should look for!
What about insulin?
Before we begin talking about diabetes symptoms, we have to say a couple of things about insulin, because it is very important. This hormone helps blood sugar enter your body, so you can use it for energy. Moreover, insulin is also responsible for telling your liver to store blood sugar for later use.
Without insulin, sugar can’t get into your cells, and it accumulates in the bloodstream, which triggers health issues and can be dangerous.
…Now that you know more about this hormone and its importance, let’s discover these unusual diabetes symptoms!
1. Recurrent infections
One unusual diabetes symptom is having recurrent infections. Since this health issue weakens your immune system, you’re more likely to catch an infection, such as skin, bladder, or vaginal infections.
Experts say that when you have too much sugar in your blood, your white blood cells have a hard time traveling through the bloodstream, which ends up making you more susceptible to infections.
2. Darker patches on the neck
Did you know that the sudden appearance of dark patches on your neck can be a diabetes symptom? They might be widespread or only noticeable in your skin creases. Moreover, you might also notice that the skin around your neck feels thicker or more velvety.
Experts say that this condition is known as acanthosis nigricans (AN), and it can be present in your armpits and on the groin as well. Keep in mind that AN is common in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes and those with darker complexions. This happens when you have high levels of insulin in the bloodstream, which causes your skin cells to reproduce way faster than normal.
3. Vision changes
If you notice vision changes, you probably think about calling your eye doctor to schedule an appointment urgently. While prevention is always better than treatment, experts say that this could be a warning sign of diabetes.
Unfortunately, high blood sugar can negatively interfere with every part of your body, including your eyes. It can change the fluid levels in your eyes, which will therefore result in blurry vision, difficulty focusing on objects, and swelling.
4. Irritability
Mood swings can occur for many reasons, and sometimes diabetes can be one of them. If you constantly experience them, you should schedule a check-up because it could be a hidden diabetes symptom. This health issue triggers rapid shifts in your blood sugar, and levels below or above can impact how you feel.
However, there’s good news to this: mood swings aren’t forever, and your emotions will return to normal once your blood sugar levels are stable again.
5. Itching
Undiagnosed diabetes and elevated blood sugar can cause nerve fiber damage throughout your body. Even though the nerves in the hands and feet are most affected, this injury can occur anywhere.
Moreover, this might result in itching. Poor circulation in your limbs might be an effect of blood vessel damage brought on by high blood sugar. Other than that, you might also notice that your skin gets dry, which can lead to peeling and itching.
6. Weight loss
Another diabetes symptom you might experience is weight loss. When your body can’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly, your cells won’t receive the necessary amount of glucose to use for energy.
This can lead to weight loss because your body will start burning both fat and muscle to have energy. Experts say that if you experience sudden and major weight loss, you should check in with your doctor for additional exams to know what’s happening.
7. Your breath smells like fruit
Another hidden diabetes symptom, or more precisely, diabetic ketoacidosis, is fruity-smelling breath. As we’ve previously discussed, when your body can’t use insulin for energy, it will burn down your fat cells to provide energy. This mechanism produces an acid known as ketones.
Normally, your body excretes excess ketones from the bloodstream through urine. Still, if your breath smells like fruit, acetone, or nail polish, it is because your body breaks down fat to have energy.
Diabetes can cause serious complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, so if you experience this, call your doctor ASAP.
8. Nausea
Vomiting and nausea are common side effects of many illnesses, but they might also be diabetes symptoms, so don’t neglect them. Experts say that these are a result of neuropathy and should be treated immediately.
Experts say that nerve damage might stop your body from being able to move food from your stomach to your intestines correctly. As a result, food can back up in the stomach if this process is interrupted, which can therefore induce nausea and occasionally vomiting.
9. Pain in your limbs
As we’ve already said, nerve damage caused by high sugar levels, also known as diabetic neuropathy, can trigger additional complications such as cramps and pain. You can feel discomfort in your legs and feet, or you might notice a tingling or burning sensation and even numbness in your limbs.
10. Lightheadedness
While it’s true that sometimes hunger or exhaustion are the causes of dizziness, lightheadedness can also be one of the hidden diabetes symptoms you should be mindful of.
Of course, you might experience dizziness due to high blood sugar, but in this case, a couple of tests are mandatory for additional information.
Moreover, experts say that high glucose levels can trigger frequent urination, and if you don’t drink enough water, you can get dehydrated. Not to mention, your body’s water balance has an impact on how well your brain works, so make sure you drink lots of it. It will help you focus, improve your memory, and keep your hunger levels in check.
Nutritionists say that coconut water is amazing for hydration and replenishing your electrolytes lost through sweat, so if you’re looking for healthy, tasty, and amazing coconut water, try this one out!
11. S**ual dysfunction
Another diabetes symptom is se**xual dysfunction, known as er*ctile dysfunction (ED).
Men with type 2 diabetes are usually affected by this, which makes it harder for them to perform with their lovers. Elevated blood sugar harms the blood vessels and nerves that provide blood to the special organ, which can lead to s**ual dysfunction.
Women who suffer from this problem might experience inadequate lubrication, but researchers need to study this further so they can conclude.
Have you ever experienced any of these diabetes symptoms? Whether you feel any of these or not, make sure you talk to your doctor and schedule an appointment, because they know better what to recommend and what tests you need.
Take care of yourself, and everything will be fine! If you find this article helpful and you want to check out something else from Golden Years Bliss, here’s a good post for you: Top 6 Self-Defense Techniques for Seniors to Stay Safe
