Brits have been warned to be vigilant about seven crucial symptoms of diabetes, as the “spiralling” numbers of those living with this stealthy and potentially fatal condition continue to rise. More than four million people in the UK are now diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, yet many more are thought to be living with the condition unknowingly.
The condition, typically lifelong, triggers abnormally high blood sugar levels. Most patients – 90 percent – suffer from type 2 diabetes, often a result of lifestyle choices such as poor diet and insufficient exercise.
According to Diabetes UK, an alarming 4.3 million individuals have been diagnosed with diabetes, while an estimated 850,000 people could be living with the disease without realising. Diabetes UK CEO Chris Askew remarked: “These figures show we’re in the grip of a rapidly escalating crisis. Spiralling numbers of people are now living with Type 2 diabetes and millions are at high risk of developing the condition.”
He also stressed the constant worry over severe complications which burden a multitude across the nation. Furthermore, obesity continues to be a major player in diabetes, with two-thirds of the population tipping the scales into risky territory.
As reported by The Mirror, statistics have highlighted that around 2.4 million Brits stand on the precipice of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, notably among those younger than 40 years of age. However, Mr Askew added: “With the right care and support, cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or put into remission.”
As with many conditions, there are several indicators which may suggest the presence of a disease – some signals being lesser known. What should you look out for regarding diabetes symptoms?
The NHS says you should visit your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms of diabetes, or a condition known as pre-diabetes:
- Going to the toilet more often, particularly at night
- Feeling more tired, as your body can’t get enough glucose into your cells for energy
- Losing weight without trying
- Genital itching or thrush
- Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision
- Feeling very thirsty.
A lesser-known sign of diabetes is a rash on the skin. There are several types of rash that occur in those with diabetes.
Bullosis diabeticorum – The Cleveland Clinic describes this as “painless blisters [that] may form on the backs of hands and feet and on the legs and forearms”. This condition often affects people with diabetic neuropathy – a condition where the nerves are damaged through diabetes.
Diabetes dermopathy – This is where the shins become covered in light-brown patches of scaly skin. They can often look like age spots and don’t require any treatment.
Digital sclerosis – This is a type of rash that appears if you have type 1 diabetes. It causes the skin to harden up and turn waxy on the back of the hands.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) – This is a lower leg rash that’s more often found in women. It can cause red, raised, and shiny patches of skin, with a yellow centre.
If you experience any symptoms of diabetes you should speak to your doctor.