Diabetes is a prevalent health condition in the UK, affecting an estimated 8% of Brits with type-1 and a whopping 90% with type-2.
This condition causes a person’s blood sugar levels to rise, prompting medical professionals to advise immediate GP consultation if main symptoms are experienced.
Now in light of World Diabetes Day on Thursday (November 14), a US-based doctor has taken to TikTok to reveal three lesser-known signs that could suggest your body is heading towards diabetes.
The video, which garnered 36,100 likes, features Dr Sasha Haddad, who boasts a following of 1.1 million. She said: “Here are some signs that your body is headed towards diabetes.
“If you start to see hyperpigmented velvet-like patches on your skin called acanthosis nigricans. If you find yourself having more of these flesh like coloured growths called skin tags.”
She added: “If you’re having multiple yeast infections affecting your underarms groin and between your toes.”
The doctor further explained when you consume sugar, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin, which removes sugar from your blood and helps drive it into cells for energy.
She concluded: “Two-type diabetes occurs due to lifestyle choices such as poor diet, low exercise and obesity. So your body becomes resistant to insulin and your blood sugar levels spike, leading to health issues down the line.”
The NHS urges individuals to consult their GP if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- Blurred vision
It’s important to remember type-1 diabetes can develop rapidly over weeks or even days, while many people live with type-2 diabetes for years without realising due to its subtle early signs.
What causes diabetes?
The root cause varies depending on the type of diabetes one has. However, the most common cause is an excess of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Despite this, it’s still crucial to incorporate some glucose into your diet for energy. This sugar typically enters our bodies when we digest carbohydrates from our food and drink, which is then released into our bloodstream.
If you’re worried you might have diabetes, don’t hesitate to contact your GP.