Alarming signs that are often mistaken for harmless conditions

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Thousands of people mistake the alarming signs of diabetes for harmless skin conditions, according to a doctor.

Diabetes is often called the silent killer because the symptoms it causes don't necessarily make you feel unwell, making it difficult to identify the disease.

While everyday skin problems such as itching or cuts can be caused by a simple scratch or Band-Aid, they can also be alarming signs of diabetes, according to a doctor.

“It's possible that your itchy skin is caused by dryness, that tingling sensation is caused by sitting in a strange position, and that cut that won't heal is caused by having it covered with a band-aid for too long. However, this may not be the case,” says the endocrinologist.

Luckily, the doctor shared how to recognize these lesser-known signs of low blood sugar.

“It's possible that your itchy skin is caused by dryness, that tingling sensation is caused by sitting in a strange position, and that cut that won't heal is caused by having it covered with a band-aid for too long. However, this may not be the case,” explains the doctor.

Luckily, a doctor shared how to recognize these lesser-known signs of high blood sugar.

1. Dry, itchy skin

Chronic high blood sugar affects circulation, damaging the lining of small blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow.

“Poor circulation can cause dry, itchy skin, and diabetes could be the cause.”

Additionally, Dr. Narayanan recommended paying attention to abnormal sensations, such as itching that is difficult to detect and does not go away, as it may be related to nerve damage from chronic diabetes.

2. Tingling or numbness in the hands, legs, or feet

Over time, impaired blood circulation and changes in how your cells receive oxygen and nutrients can cause nerve damage.

“This blocks the brain from sending and receiving signals to different parts of the body and back, causing numbness or a tingling sensation.”

Alarmingly, early diagnosis of this problem is “vitally important” because once nerves are damaged, they cannot repair themselves, the doctor warned.

3. Non-healing cuts

Damaged blood vessels can lead to slow wound healing and an increased risk of infection.
While non-healing cuts are uncomfortable, the doctor warned that foot ulcers are the “most worrying” of all.

“Non-healing ulcers are the leading cause of diabetes-related amputations.”

Diabetic foot ulcers precede more than 80% of amputations.

While these problems are just three of the lesser-known symptoms of diabetes, there are many more hidden signs.

Fortunately, one simple diagnostic blood test, either from your GP or as a finger prick test at home, can detect the condition before symptoms appear.

The advice from doctors on the signs of diabetes comes after a recent study by the London Medical Laboratory showed that one million people in the UK are likely to have undiagnosed diabetes.