Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks
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Diabetes is a very common condition that affects about five million people in the UK. But many people don’t even know they’re at risk of the condition, because of the numerous “silent” signs that go unnoticed.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes to be diagnosed in the UK.
It’s caused by the body struggling to produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Insulin is needed to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.
Without enough of the hormone, the amount of sugar in the blood can continue to rise, increasing the risk of heart disease or nerve damage.
You might not even know if you have diabetes, because some of the symptoms are really subtle, according to Wayne UNC Health Care.
One of the most common “silent” signs of high blood sugar is having unexplained pins and needles, it said.
It’s caused by excessive sugar in the blood damaging nerve-endings, which could cause you to wake up with a tingling sensation in your feet.
But you could also be at risk of diabetes if you starting itching yourself more than usual, or if you have bumps or bruises that take longer to heal than normal.
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“Diabetes has plenty of early signs, but some symptoms are subtle,” it said.
“If you’re having some of these subtle symptoms, try a low-carb diet of protein and green leafy vegetables.
“Avoid sugary drinks and drink at least 2 litres of water for a few days to see if these symptoms get better.
“Subtle symptoms could just be a result of eating too many carbs, which can be hard for your body to handle. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have diabetes.”
But just because you develop any of these three silent warning signs of diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have high blood sugar.
Pins and needles, for example, could simply be caused by poor circulation.
Itchy skin could be a sign of eczema or an allergy, while wounds taking longer to heal could be caused by poor nutrition.
But, if you notice at least two of these signs together at the same time, it might be time to speak to a doctor.
Meanwhile, some more common signs of diabetes include passing more urine than normal, and having blurred vision.
Left untreated, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease or strokes, as well as some cancers and kidney problems.
But you could lower your risk of high blood sugar by making just a few lifestyle changes.
It’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and to do regular exercise.
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