{"id":970,"date":"2022-06-28T00:38:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T00:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/?p=970"},"modified":"2022-05-01T20:06:40","modified_gmt":"2022-05-01T20:06:40","slug":"what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Signs of Diabetes?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-height: 230px; width: auto; margin: 0px 10px; height: auto; max-width: 36%;\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/Xqds244.jpg\" alt=\"signs of diabetes\" align=\"right\"><\/p>\n<p>Some of the early signs of diabetes include discoloration of the skin. One type is known as acanthosis nigricans and is neither painful nor itchy. It is a sign that your body is not using insulin properly. High blood sugar levels can also cause recurrent infections, as yeast and bacteria thrive in a sugary environment. Recurrent infections can also result in a rash, itchy skin, and blurred vision.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66190a3f59119\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66190a3f59119\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Dry_mouth\" title=\"Dry mouth\">Dry mouth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Excessive_thirst\" title=\"Excessive thirst\">Excessive thirst<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Itchy_skin\" title=\"Itchy skin\">Itchy skin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Blurry_vision\" title=\"Blurry vision\">Blurry vision<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Skin_discoloration\" title=\"Skin discoloration\">Skin discoloration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Yeast_infections_can_occur_with_high_blood_sugar_levels\" title=\"Yeast infections can occur with high blood sugar levels\">Yeast infections can occur with high blood sugar levels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/survivingdiabetes.com\/what-are-the-signs-of-diabetes\/#Nerve_damage_can_be_a_sign_of_diabetes\" title=\"Nerve damage can be a sign of diabetes\">Nerve damage can be a sign of diabetes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dry_mouth\"><\/span>Dry mouth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>High blood sugar levels and diabetes cause dry mouth in people. Diabetics have less saliva than normal, and dry mouth is an obvious sign of high blood sugar. The condition is often aggravated by medications for diabetes. Without proper treatment, dry mouth can lead to infection in the mouth and can affect the ability to speak, chew, and swallow properly. For these reasons, it is important to manage high blood sugar and diabetes simultaneously.<\/p>\n<p>A few ways to deal with dry mouth are to drink water and hydrate yourself as much as possible. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol can help too. Also, try to quit smoking and invest in a humidifier to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth. You can also try sugarless gum or hard candy. While these are not ideal, they can stimulate saliva flow. Avoid salty or spicy foods. To avoid bacterial infection and gum disease, you can try sugar-free gum.<\/p>\n<p>If you notice that your mouth is constantly dry and feels irritated, you could have diabetes. While it's common to have high blood sugar, it can also lead to severe dry mouth. Ultimately, uncontrolled diabetes may lead to infections and gum disease. To manage your condition, talk to your healthcare provider. Make sure to keep up with your oral hygiene and avoid taking medications that cause dry mouth. Then, find a treatment that works for you and your diabetes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Excessive_thirst\"><\/span>Excessive thirst<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The feeling of constant thirst is an abnormal symptom of many conditions, including diabetes. Excessive thirst can occur as a symptom of an underlying disease, such as diabetes type 1 or type 2. This condition makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food, and results in increased urination. It may also be a symptom of an emotional or mental health problem. Excessive thirst is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or blurred vision.<\/p>\n<p>People with diabetes need to drink enough fluids throughout the day. This is particularly important if the temperature outside is extremely hot, if you are exercising, or if you are vomiting. Eating spicy food can also make you thirsty. Additionally, excessive thirst is a sign of diabetes and should be investigated by your doctor. You may also notice unexplained weight loss or extreme tiredness, which could indicate the presence of diabetes.<\/p>\n<p>Diabetes can affect the pancreas, which is responsible for producing urine. The cause of excess thirst can be determined by testing the patient's urine production. During this process, the body will produce urine containing high levels of glucose. As a result, the kidneys cannot process the excess glucose in the blood quickly enough, and the sugar reaches the urine and other fluids. Eventually, the body will no longer be able to process the sugar, and the excessive thirst is a sign of diabetes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Itchy_skin\"><\/span>Itchy skin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you have diabetes, you may have a lot of itchiness on your skin. This is usually caused by the presence of excess glucose in your body. You can also have skin conditions, including tight skin and stiff fingers. Skin problems associated with diabetes can be painful and difficult to treat. The best way to determine if your condition is diabetes is by seeing a doctor. Diabetic skin rash may look different in different people, but the underlying cause is the same.<\/p>\n<p>A dermatologist can treat the skin problems associated with diabetes. Diabetes-related skin problems should be treated as soon as they occur. These can range from bacterial infections, which cause redness, pain, and swelling, to fungal infections. The itch is a warning sign that your diabetes treatment plan is not working. If the itch persists, visit a doctor and let him know. If you are diabetic, itchy skin is a sign that you should consult a dermatologist to determine whether you have diabetes.<\/p>\n<p>Symptoms of diabetes can also include eruptive xanthomatosis, which looks like a rash or pimple. This condition develops on your feet, thighs, and hands. This skin condition starts as a dull red spot and then changes to a thick, painful, and blistery lesion. If your diabetes is uncontrolled, eruptive xanthomatosis is a warning sign and can be treated with medications.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blurry_vision\"><\/span>Blurry vision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Blurry vision is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus. It's an inability to see fine details and may result in blurry vision in one or both eyes. It can occur suddenly or slowly and can occur in both eyes. While it can be caused by other problems, such as forgetting to wear corrective lenses, it's best to consult a doctor if you suspect you're suffering from the disease.<\/p>\n<p>Low blood sugar may cause blurry vision because it damages the blood vessels in the retina. High blood sugar can lead to the same problem. While blood glucose levels are usually high enough to cause blurry vision, people with diabetes may only experience temporary blurriness. This condition will go away as the blood sugar level returns to normal. Blurry vision is a warning sign of diabetes, and you should seek medical attention if you're having trouble seeing.<\/p>\n<p>While some people may not think that it's an immediate sign of diabetes, it is vital to visit the doctor right away if it persists. This examination will help determine whether or not your condition has worsened. Your doctor will be able to determine the proper treatment. If you're a diabetic, you'll need to see an eye doctor regularly to make sure your eyes are in good condition. A thorough examination will reveal if you need to take any special precautions for your vision.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skin_discoloration\"><\/span>Skin discoloration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you are wondering whether your skin discoloration is a sign of diabetes, here are the most common types of atypical pigmentation. These skin discolorations may be a warning sign that you may be suffering from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Vitiligo is a condition in which pigment producing cells in your skin are destroyed, resulting in patchy, white patches. The most common locations of vitiligo are the belly, chest, and back, but can also appear on the face and armpits. Treatments for vitiligo may include medications, sunscreen, and UV light therapy.<\/p>\n<p>There are several types of acanthosis nigricans. These patches are velvety and dark, and are usually located on the back of the neck, armpit, and groin areas. Diabetics often suffer from acanthosis nigricans, a type of diabetes characterized by excessively dark pigmentation in the skin. It is usually a symptom of diabetes, but may be an indicator of other underlying diseases.<\/p>\n<p>Patients with generalized involvement of atopic dermatitis should consult a dermatologist. If the lesion is ulcerated, proper wound care is essential. Topical antibiotics, emollients, and compression bandaging can all help reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis. Surgical excision is a last resort and is associated with poor results. Split-skin grafting may help with skin lesions. However, improving control of diabetes has not been associated with improvement in atopic dermatitis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yeast_infections_can_occur_with_high_blood_sugar_levels\"><\/span>Yeast infections can occur with high blood sugar levels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>High blood sugar and yeast infection can co-exist. People with diabetes may experience more yeast infections than those without. This is because diabetes affects the immune system. High blood sugar suppresses beta-defensins, proteins produced by immune cells that help fight microbes. In turn, this makes it easier for pathogens to cling to the skin, mucus glands, and other tissues. Yeast grows on the extra sugars, making it easier for them to colonize at an unhealthy level.<\/p>\n<p>Although these infections are typically harmless, they can be difficult to treat, especially if they are recurrent. Diabetics should consult a healthcare provider if the infection is recurrent or hasn't cleared up after a week of OTC treatments. Your healthcare provider can determine the cause of your infection and prescribe the right treatment for you. If your yeast infection is caused by diabetes, consult your doctor as soon as possible to find the best treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Yeast infections can affect the penis, genital area, and the skin folds of males. Because yeast overgrowth thrives in moist and sweaty areas, they are often called jock itch. In men with diabetes, the infection can occur in the head of the penis or inner thighs, as well as in the buttocks. These early symptoms may go unnoticed, until they become uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nerve_damage_can_be_a_sign_of_diabetes\"><\/span>Nerve damage can be a sign of diabetes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Diabetic nerve pain may also affect the feet and digits. Diabetics are at risk for nerve compression, also called entrapment syndromes. These types of pain are painful and affect several nerves in the body, including the feet. Diabetic neuropathy is not an immediate risk factor, but it can occur slowly, affecting a person without obvious symptoms. Diabetics should regularly check their blood glucose levels, which should remain within a normal range, to protect their nerves throughout their body. They may also look at heart rate, blood pressure, muscle strength, and sensitivity to vibration and temperature.<\/p>\n<p>While nerve damage is an ominous sign of diabetes, it can also be caused by other factors. Obesity, certain medications, and genetic factors may increase your risk of developing neuropathy. Treatment for diabetic neuropathy is important to prevent nerve damage and to improve your overall health. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your physician will prescribe the appropriate medications and lifestyle changes. You will then be able to manage your blood sugar levels to avoid nerve damage.<\/p>\n<p>Diabetics may develop neuropathy at any age, but it is more common in people with poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetes damages the capillary walls that carry blood to the nerves. Damaged nerves will no longer carry signals to the brain. If you have neuropathy, you won't be able to feel or move your feet. Diabetes has many side effects, including nerve damage in the feet. It's important to get regular examinations to ensure you're managing your diabetes properly and ensuring you're not developing complications.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"margin: 0px auto; display: block;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3GLhwx_G5gE\" width=\"499\" height=\"279\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some of the early signs of diabetes include discoloration of the skin. One type is known as acanthosis nigricans and is neither painful nor itchy. It is a sign that your body is not using insulin properly. High blood sugar levels can also cause recurrent infections, as yeast and bacteria thrive in a sugary environment. 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