Your face can send out early warning signs that you might be diabetic. However, unless you know what these signs mean, they could be overlooked until it’s too late.
Millions of individuals across the UK live with diabetes, with new diagnoses made every day. But, if you’re not familiar with the symptoms to look out for, you could unknowingly have this condition, which can cause serious problems if not properly managed.
If left undiagnosed, diabetes can lead to serious health problems. NHS Inform listed that heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and vision loss are all potential outcomes of unmanaged diabetes.
The majority of people in the UK diagnosed with the condition have Type 2 diabetes, which is caused by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production. Many people may have this type of diabetes without realising it because they might not always notice any symptoms.
According to the NHS website, common signs that many are aware of include frequent urination and constant thirst. However, there are some physical signs that can manifest on your face and skin as a significant red flag and should be discussed with your doctor.
The skin depends on blood circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. When this process is disrupted due to complications with diabetes, issues begin to surface, reports the Mirror.
Some people might notice that their skin is becoming dry and itchy, accompanied by noticeable redness. This discolouration can appear more severe with dark patches, rashes, blisters, and sores.
Skin tags can also start to appear on the faces of individuals with diabetes, although they are not always a sure sign of the condition. If you suspect they’re related to the disease, it’s best to have them examined by a medical professional.
Alongside any noticeable appearance changes, your skin may begin to turn a different texture. Some report an almost “waxy” feel that becomes harder than usual in what’s referred to as ‘diabetic thick skin’ on the back of the neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back.
In extreme cases, this thickened skin can restrict movement in the upper body and make deep breathing challenging. Reduced blood flow to the skin, damage to blood vessels and nerves, and the impact of diabetes on collagen within the skin result in changes in skin texture and appearance.
It’s also well-established that the condition hampers the body’s normal healing process. These signs can present themselves in cases of pre-diabetes or before a diagnosis is confirmed. That’s why you must consult your doctor if you notice unexpected skin changes, allowing for swift and effective intervention.