Diabetes symptoms should never be ignored, but some of them can be subtle and it can be all too easy to brush them off as something that isn’t important or doesn’t need urgent care.
The most common type of diabetes in the UK is type 2, in which the body does not produce enough insulin, and according to the NHS people with type 2 diabetes can live with the condition for “years without realising” because “the early symptoms tend to be general, or there are no symptoms at all”. In fact, some of the symptoms are so subtle that they can sometimes be confused for other conditions – such as one that might make you think you have a sexually transmitted disease ( STD).
According to LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, detecting diabetes early can help you “avoid complications” and can even help you “avoid developing diabetes altogether” if you’re able to catch it before it fully develops and can make lifestyle changes to stop your symptoms from getting worse.
One of the most unusual symptoms people can face is “itchy genitals”, which can impact both men and women when it comes to diabetes. If you’re sexually active, you might think this itch is down to an STD, but if you’ve been tested and can rule that out, then it could actually be a sign that you have diabetes.
Diabetes.co.uk
claims that genital itching can be a sign of diabetes because of the increased blood glucose levels in those with the condition. The high blood sugar creates ideal conditions for yeast to grow, raising the chances of getting a yeast infection in your genital area. The site states: “Diabetes can also cause a higher glucose content in the urine – another extremely suitable place for yeast to thrive.”
Alongside itchy genitals, other symptoms of diabetes include needing to go to the toilet more often, being unusually thirsty, feeling fatigued, losing weight without trying to, and noticing that cuts and grazes take longer to heal.
The NHS says that while there are no lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of type 1 diabetes, the risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through healthy eating and regular exercise, as you’re more likely to have the condition if you are overweight and have high blood pressure.
You should see a GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes explained above. Tests for diabetes often involve blood tests that can confirm the levels of sugar in your blood.