How to understand that you have diabetes: symptoms and first signs of the disease

Clinical geneticist, nutritionist, expert of UniProf Academy of Physicians

What signs indicate diabetes mellitus?

Among the characteristic symptoms of type I (often type II) diabetes are:

increased thirst;
frequent urination.

But there are also lesser-known signs of the disease, which often appear before the typical symptoms.

And after all, the earlier a diabetic or pre-diabetic condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and control.

We tell you about 10 phenomena that can be signs of diabetes mellitus.

Table of Contents

Chronic fungal infection

High blood sugar weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infection, including fungal infection. Excess sugar “feeds” the fungus growing at an incredible rate. Additional sugar in the blood contributes to the growth of yeast flora. Often patients struggle with the problem for years, not knowing that they have an imbalance of blood glucose. And he is the one who reduces the effectiveness of therapy.

The most common causative agent of fungal infections in diabetes mellitus is candida white.

A typical gastrointestinal illness usually lasts no more than 2-3 days. If your nausea, constipation or vomiting persists longer, the problem is most likely caused by something else, possibly too high glucose levels.

Mood swings

Abrupt mood swings, weakness, fatigue, crankiness, sudden aggression. Elevated glucose levels affect brain activity by disrupting vascular elasticity and permeability. A person with persistently high glucose levels cannot control his emotions. Excess sugars “irritate” and distract the central nervous system.

Dark spots on the skin

Skin folds around the neck, in the armpits or groin, elbows and knees may darken and become leathery. This is “dirt” that won’t wash off. These dark spots are a symptom of insulin resistance and may be an early sign of diabetes.

In the severe course of the disease, the skin becomes rough to the touch, develops significant flaking, especially of the scalp. The hair itself loses its luster. On the soles and palms there are calluses, cracks. Often develops a pronounced yellowish coloration of the skin. Nails are deformed and thickened. Skin itching, dry mucous membranes, skin infections, partial hair loss appear.

Rashes or excessive facial vegetation

Women with insulin resistance grow thick and stiff facial hair because insulin can stimulate cells to produce male hormones. The same hormones can also provoke acne, especially during adolescence. These symptoms disappear when glucose levels are under control.

Skin growths

Although such papillomas are usually benign, many studies have found an increased risk of developing diabetes in those who have them.

The mechanism by which diabetes causes skin warts is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that insulin resistance activates growth factors that cause even small growths to grow and change.

Sexual dysfunction

Inflammation caused by excess glucose can affect the part of the brain that controls sex drive. Low testosterone and insulin deficiency also play a role.

All of these symptoms can also be a sign of developing type I diabetes. Especially in children. Be aware of your body and your children’s bodies.

Diabetes (especially type II) is not a verdict. It is corrected by adjusting a competent diet, adding the necessary trace elements, vitamins, minerals (especially important is the level of chromium and magnesium), changing lifestyle and increasing the level of physical activity, adjusting sleep and reducing stress. It is important to do everything in a timely manner, including referral to specialists.