At the moment, it’s estimated that a staggering 5.8million people in the UK are living with diabetes – marking an all-time high for the condition.
Official data reveals that nearly 4.6million Brits have been diagnosed with diabetes, while almost 1.3million may be unknowingly living with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a health issue that causes a person’s blood sugar level to skyrocket, and it comes in two main forms. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong ailment where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin. A recent video shared by Houston Methodist on TikTok highlighted nine common signs that might suggest it’s time to see a doctor about potential diabetes.
Blurred vision
One of these symptoms is blurred vision, which can occur due to various reasons such as high blood sugar levels causing the eye’s lens to swell, leading to blurry vision. This kind of blurred vision is temporary and usually resolves once blood sugar levels normalise.
However, high blood sugar levels can also damage blood vessels in the retina, causing them to swell and leak, which can also result in blurry vision.
Feeling thirsty
Another symptom to watch out for is excessive thirst. Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, can occur when there’s too much sugar in the blood, leading to dehydration and an increased desire to drink.
It’s a common symptom of the condition.
Unexpected weight loss
Unexpected weight loss is another indicator, especially in relation to type 1 diabetes. This can also occur due to dehydration and frequent urination.
In type 1 diabetes, the body ceases insulin production, preventing glucose from entering cells. The body then burns fat and muscle for energy, resulting in weight loss.
In contrast, with type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t utilise insulin effectively, causing glucose to accumulate in the blood. Consequently, the body will burn fat and muscle for energy.
Feeling hungry
Feeling hungry – even after eating – can also be a sign due to either low or high blood sugar levels. Also known as hyperphagia or polyphagia, it’s a common symptom of diabetes and can lead to cravings for sugary or high-carb foods.
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet can also indicate diabetic neuropathy – a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. People may also experience pain, burning or weakness in these areas.
High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet, with around half of people with diabetes likely to experience nerve damage.
Frequent urination
Frequent urination, also known as polyuria, is a common sign of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter out excess sugar, removing it from the blood into the urine along with fluids from body tissues.
This can lead to dehydration, causing increased thirst and more frequent urination.
Extreme fatigue
Extreme fatigue is another typical symptom of diabetes, resulting from high or low blood sugar levels, dehydration and other factors. It can be a constant feeling or develop gradually over time, but it’s always something to keep an eye on.
Dry skin
Dry skin is also a common issue for those with diabetes, often caused by high blood sugar, poor circulation and a weakened skin barrier.
Having sores that heal slowly
Slow-healing sores are another indicator of diabetes. The condition can affect how your body processes blood sugar, potentially damaging blood vessels and weakening the immune system, leading to wounds healing very slowly or not at all.
While these symptoms may indicate diabetes, experiencing some of them doesn’t necessarily mean you have the condition. However, if you do notice any of these signs, it’s recommended to seek advice from your GP.
According to the NHS website: “Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days. Weight loss is common in people with type 1 diabetes when it first develops and before it’s treated, but it’s less common in people with type 2 diabetes.
“Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general, or there are no symptoms at all.”