In cases of undiagnosed diabetes, small bumps may suddenly develop on the skin. These bumps often take on a yellowish hue in individuals with lighter skin tones. For those with darker skin, they may appear grayish with a subtle yellowish undertone.
They are commonly found on areas such as the buttocks, thighs, elbows, and knees, though they can develop anywhere on the body. Regardless of their location, these bumps tend to be tender and itchy.
Unusual Fatigue
Fatigue can be a key indicator of unstable blood sugar levels.
When the body has difficulty utilizing insulin effectively, it disrupts the process of converting glucose into energy, resulting in persistent tiredness or exhaustion, even after adequate rest. Beyond physical fatigue, mental exhaustion may also occur, making it challenging to focus and complete everyday tasks.
Heightened Thirst and Frequent Urination
A common early indicator of prediabetes is increased thirst accompanied by frequent urination.
When blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb excess glucose. If they become overwhelmed, the surplus sugar is expelled through urine. This process draws fluids from body tissues, leading to dehydration and triggering persistent thirst.
In response, drinking more fluids to quench thirst results in more frequent urination. These symptoms may initially go unnoticed but tend to become more apparent as prediabetes advances toward type 2 diabetes. Recognizing these signs early can help in taking preventive measures to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are common, benign skin growths that can appear on various parts of the body. Some are attached tightly to the skin, while others hang from a small stalk. Medically, these growths are referred to as acrochordons.
Although skin tags can form anywhere on the body, they are most frequently found on the eyelids, neck, underarms, and groin area. While they are harmless, having a large number of them may indicate an underlying condition, such as type 2 diabetes. If you notice an unusual number of skin tags, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine whether diabetes testing is necessary.
Slow Healing Cuts and Wounds
Persistently elevated blood sugar levels can negatively impact the body’s natural healing process by damaging blood vessels that deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to different areas, including the skin. This damage can lead to poor circulation, which is crucial for wound healing, causing cuts, bruises, and other injuries to take longer to recover. Additionally, high blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to combat infections.
As a result, even minor wounds may be at a higher risk of infection, further prolonging the healing process.
Itchy Skin
Tingling and numbness in the extremities may indicate prediabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can harm small nerves, leading to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy.
Besides tingling and numbness, this condition can also cause a burning sensation in the hands, arms, and feet, or the feeling that socks are bunched up under the toes. Identifying prediabetes early and seeking appropriate treatment can help reduce these symptoms as well as lower the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. A blood test can determine if you have prediabetes.
Various types of tests are available, and they are the same ones used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Consult your primary care provider to find out if you should get tested.
Source: Brightside
