Diabetes is a significant health issue in the UK, with around 5.6 million people living with the condition. Of those 5.6 million, approximately 8 per cent have type one while a staggering 90 per cent have type two.
The condition leads to elevated blood sugar levels, prompting healthcare experts to recommend seeing a GP if primary symptoms are noticed. Biochemist Jessie Inchauspé is delving into the causes and effects of high blood sugar levels in her new series Eat Smart: Secrets of The Glucose Goddess tonight on Channel 4. However, if you are already concerned you might be experiencing symptoms, it’s worth looking out for some subtle signs.
A doctor took to TikTok to share three subtle symptoms that could indicate your body is on the path to diabetes. The video by Dr Sasha Haddad, who has an impressive 1.1 million followers, received over 36,000 likes. She outlined: “Here are some signs that your body is headed towards diabetes.”
Some people live with symptoms for years without knowing
(Image: Getty)
Subtle signs of high blood sugar levels
- Changes in skin texture – If you start to see hyperpigmented velvet-like patches on your skin, this could be a sign of diabetes, says Dr Haddad. These changes in skin texture are called acanthosis nigricans.
- Skin tags – Dr Haddad said: “If you find yourself having more of these flesh like coloured growths called skin tags,” this could be another sign of diabetes.
- Frequent yeast infections -“Multiple yeast infections affecting your underarms groin and between your toes” are another key sign of diabetes, said Dr Haddad.
What causes Diabetes?
Dr Haddad went on to explain that when sugar is consumed, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps transfer sugar from the blood into cells for energy use. She said: “Type-2 diabetes occurs due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. This leads to insulin resistance and a spike in blood sugar levels, causing future health complications.”
The NHS advises people to seek medical advice if they experience any of the main symptoms associated with diabetes. 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, reports the Express.
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.
Eat Smart: Secrets of The Glucose Goddess is on Channel 4 tonight (Tuesday, January 7) at 8pm.