Learn more about prediabetes symptoms and what they can mean for you
Are you having subtle symptoms of diabetes and don’t even realize it? Diabetes can sneak up on us before we realize that we have a problem. That is why we should learn to recognize these unusual symptoms of diabetes now, so that we can discuss it with our doctor and possibly prevent further health problems from developing.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition where your blood sugar levels are too high. This often happens when you do not have enough insulin to process the sugar, or your body is not processing the sugar well. Many Americans are undiagnosed for diabetes, or are pre-diabetic and don’t know it. Below is our list of unusual symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of:
1. Blurry Vision
Most people wouldn’t make the connection between diabetes and blurry vision, but this is one of the unrecognized symptoms of the disease. When your blood sugar is high there is a shift in the fluids in your body, including your eyes. This sugary fluid enters your eyes and can cause blurry vision, and you can also develop nearsightedness. Once your diabetes is discovered and you bring it under control, these eye symptoms of diabetes will disappear.
2. Urination
Another one of the unusual symptoms of diabetes is constant urination. If you find that you urinate more than usual, you will want to know what is causing it. The water in your body seeks out the sugar in your body and when there is an excess of sugar, your body will eliminate it through urination. If you urinate often and in large amounts you probably have a high blood sugar problem.
3. Thirst
When you have high blood sugar and are urinating a lot, you can become dehydrated and will become thirsty. If you have no other reason for being constantly thirsty, like exercising or hard labor, you may have high blood sugar. Many people will reach for a sugary drink to satisfy their thirst but this only makes the problem worse. If you are having these pre-diabetes symptoms you should consult your doctor.
4. Slow Healing
Other prediabetes symptoms include the slow healing of cuts, sores and bruises. Diabetes causes skin changes that can result in developing sores or ulcers. These damaging conditions to the skin can take longer to heal because diabetes affects the nerves causing neuropathy and poor circulation. This condition makes it harder for the blood, which is vital to skin repair, from reaching the damaged area of the skin. High blood sugar also creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and this can lead to skin problems becoming infected.
5. Yeast infections
Another of the many symptoms of diabetes is constant yeast infections. High blood sugar creates an environment in the vagina that is conducive to yeast overgrowth. If you have this problem more than 2 to 3 times every few months, and you are having little success with standard treatments, you need to consult with your doctor. Once you are able to manage your blood sugar level you will find that the yeast infections will diminish.
6. Darkening Skin
Another of the unusual symptoms of diabetes is the darkening of your skin under your armpits and around the nape of your neck. This is one of the common pre-diabetes symptoms that are often overlooked.
7. Tingling Sensations
Symptoms of diabetes also include feeling a tingling sensation, pins and needles, fire, or numbness, in your hands or feet. This occurs because high blood sugar causes poor circulation that decreases the ability of your blood to flow to these areas.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of diabetes on a regular basis, you should consult your doctor and begin a regimen of managing high blood sugar levels. Once you begin to manage your blood sugar, you may notice that some of these symptoms will diminish or disappear completely.