5 signs of type 2 diabetes experts say you shouldn’t ignore

From themountaineer.com

More than 40 million people in the U.S. live with diabetes—and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—an estimated 11 million could be living with the disease, most of it type 2 diabetes, who are yet to be diagnosed.

Cases have reached a record high in the U.S., with about 1 in 8 people now living with diabetes—and experts have revealed the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes that often go ignored. 

The condition occurs when a hormone called insulin does not work properly or there is not enough of it.

This causes blood sugar levels to become too high.

Ninety percent of people with the condition have type 2 diabetes—and around 6.9 million people are at an increased risk of the condition in the UK based on blood sugar levels.

There are multiple risk factors of the illness, including age, family history and ethnicity, as well as being overweight.

Diabetes UK says that increasing numbers of overweight or obese people in the UK—currently around 64.5 percent of adults in England—may be translating more cases of type 2.

And experts say people should not ignore these five very common and surprising symptoms.

1. Dry feet

Dr. Mikel Daniels, chief medical officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry, urges people not to ignore signs that your feet "feel different" as despite seeming small at first, they "escalate quickly".

He says: "I see a lot of type 2 diabetes patients who brush off the early warning signs.

"They seem small at first, but escalate quickly. Symptoms like numbness in the feet, burning, tingling, dry skin, slow-healing cuts, or even just "my feet feel different lately."

"All of these can be easy to ignore, but they matter."

                             (Photo by Pixabay via Pexels)  By Talker

He adds that changes in your feet can be the first clue that blood sugar is running high—a sign and nerves are starting to get damaged.

Dr. Daniels says that what worries him most is that people assume issues with their feet are from shoes or being on their feet for too long.

He urges people to "not ignore numbness, tingling, swelling, color changes, cracks in the skin, or wounds that are not healing. If the feet aren't feeling normal, that is reason enough to get checked."

2. Feeling tired and stressed

If you have type 2 diabetes, your cells can't take up the glucose from your bloodstream as effectively, which impacts energy production.

Dr. Jody-Ann McLean, from ThisIsMenopause, says: "You could feel more depleted or tired even after eating a meal. This is often put down to age or stress."

Similarly, Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, says another sign of type 2 diabetes that "may seem minor at first" is a "steady decline in the ability to carry out daily functions".

He says: "Someone may find that they can no longer walk as far as they once could, struggle with concentration, or become drowsy shortly after eating.

3. Sexual dysfunction

Dr. McLean says: "In some cases, sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction, issues with ejaculation, or reduced genital sensation can happen because of damage to either blood vessels or nerves from the chronically high blood glucose levels."

(Photo by Vitaly Gariev via Pexels) By Talker

She adds that these symptoms are "often gradual" and can be confused with changes that might be seen as a part of normal aging because they occur in a similar age group.

"There's often a societal view that declining sexual function is a normal part of aging, but in some cases there are treatable underlying metabolic factors like diabetes, so it's really important to rule out," she says.

4. Aging

Skin changes associated with diabetes can often be mistaken for normal aging, as well as perimenopausal symptoms such as fat redistribution.

Dr. McLean says: "There's also a few symptoms or features that can be associated with chronically high insulin levels, including skin changes like acanthosis nigricans and skin tags and visceral fat accumulation around the abdomen.

"Insulin can be elevated for years before blood sugar levels actually rise so these symptoms might be early signs indicating a metabolic problem before any diabetes diagnosis.

"Skin changes often accompany aging, and they're often ignored if they're thought to be part of the aging process."

Many of these symptoms also overlap with symptoms of perimenopause, Dr. McLean says.

She adds: "The symptoms might be attributed to hormonal changes, so we need to ensure we're not missing symptoms that could be diabetes-related."

5. Blurry vision

Diabetes can also affect your eyes and there are a couple of changes that can happen because of either fluctuating blood sugar levels or long-term high blood sugar.

Dr. McLean says that "blurry vision can often be dismissed as just needing glasses."

(Photo by Matheus Bertelli via Pexels)    By Talker

She adds: "Temporary fluctuations in blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell slightly, which can change the way it focuses light, leading to blurred vision. Persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye.

"This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. Blurry vision is actually a fairly common symptom that people don't always connect to blood sugar levels.

"Patients sometimes think they might need some new glasses when it's actually from the effects of blood sugar levels."

https://www.themountaineer.com/lifestyles/health/five-signs-of-diabetes-experts-say-you-shouldn-t-ignore/article_6c36fcb1-3d3f-5662-853a-6814f96b8424.html

7 Sneaky Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Too High, According to Dietitians

From eatingwell.com

High blood sugar isn't always obvious—these are the warning signs dietitians want you to know 

KEY POINTS

• High blood sugar can develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms early on.
• Symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination and blurry vision may signal issues.
• Lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet, can help manage or prevent high blood sugar.

The signs and symptoms of elevated blood sugar are easy to overlook, mistake or miss altogether. This is especially true for type 2 diabetes, which can go undiagnosed for many years. "Undiagnosed diabetes is more common than many people think," says Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, LD. "According to the CDC, 11 million adults meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, but don't know they have it."

Why are so many people unaware? "Many people with mild to moderately high blood sugar, especially in prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes, may have no noticeable symptoms at all," says Jackie Topol, M.S., RD, CDN. Plus, high blood sugar tends to develop gradually, and in its early stages, symptoms may be subtle or absent altogether.

The good news is that early intervention can make a difference, says Phipps. Whether you have a family history of high blood sugar or diabetes or just want to be proactive about your health, here are some signs of high blood sugar to watch for.

                                                                                           Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell design

1. You're Thirsty All the Time

Is your thirst unquenchable? Are you making more frequent trips to the bathroom? When blood sugar levels are high, these symptoms often go hand in hand.

"Excess sugar in the blood results in the kidneys working harder to get rid of it," says Maria Elena Fraga, RD, CDCES, CDN. "The kidneys draw in water from your tissues to dilute the glucose so it can be excreted via the urine, resulting in more frequent trips to the bathroom."

As your body loses water and electrolytes through increased urination, thirst can ramp up, causing you to drink more fluids. If you're drinking sugary beverages such as juice, sports drinks or soda, that can cause blood sugar levels to climb even higher. 

2. You're Hungry All the Time

"Your body converts the food you eat into glucose, later used by your cells for energy," says Fraga. However, sometimes, that glucose is unable to enter your cells. This can happen if your body doesn't produce enough insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose into cells, or if the insulin it produces isn't used efficiently.

The result? "The inability to use glucose causes a lack of energy, which can make you hungrier than usual," says Fraga. 

In some cases, excessive hunger accompanied by weight loss can be a sign of diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes. If you're eating enough but still feel constantly hungry and are also losing weight, it's important to seek evaluation from a health care professional.

3. Your Vision Is Blurry 

High blood sugar can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in blurry vision that may come and go, sometimes long before a diabetes diagnosis is made. Over time, this can damage the retina of your eye, resulting in a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends that all people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes receive a dilated eye exam shortly after diagnosis.

4. You're Always Tired

Remember how your cells need glucose for fuel? A lack of insulin, insulin resistance or a combination of both can prevent cells from taking in glucose from the bloodstream to use for energy. Without the proper fuel, you can feel very tired and fatigued. 

5. You Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections

Research suggests that nearly 40% of people living with diabetes experience urinary tract infections (UTIs).  That's because the body works to get rid of excess blood sugar by increasing urine output. While that may help lower sugar in the bloodstream, it can also lead to increased bacterial growth that can cause UTIs, says Fraga.

6. You Develop Dark Spots and Skin Tags

Dark velvety patches in skin creases—such as the neck, armpits, fingers and groin—may be a sign of a diabetes-related condition called acanthosis nigricans.  It is caused by high insulin levels, "which can be an early sign of prediabetes, diabetes [or] insulin resistance," says Fraga.

But these aren't the only skin changes linked to high blood sugar. Skin tags, dermatitis, bacterial and fungal infections and dry, itchy skin can also be subtle signs of elevated blood sugar.

7. You Have Other Unexplained Symptoms 

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and some are more common than others. "Hair loss and dry skin, nausea, wounds that won't heal, tingling in the fingers and toes, and dry mouth are other symptoms of high blood sugar," says Phipps. Sexual health issues may also occur, including decreased libido or erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.

Strategies for Managing High Blood Sugar

Elevated blood sugar occurs when sugar in the form of glucose accumulates in your blood, says Topol. We get glucose from carbohydrate-containing foods such as bread, rice, pasta and fruits. "After digestion, glucose enters the blood and is used by the body for energy," she explains. "Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, assists in moving glucose from the blood into the cells. If a person doesn't make insulin or can't use it properly (as in insulin resistance), sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy."

Managing blood sugar often comes down to consistent lifestyle habits that support how your body uses glucose. While medical care is essential for diagnosis and treatment, certain daily behaviours can help improve blood sugar control over time.

• Stay physically active. Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for cells to use glucose for energy. Even moderate movement, like walking, can make a difference.
• Focus on balanced meals. Eating a mix of fibre-rich carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats can help prevent blood sugar spikes and promote steadier energy levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight. For some people, even modest weight loss can improve insulin function and blood sugar control.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking is linked to insulin resistance and can worsen blood sugar regulation over time.
• Manage other health conditions. Keeping conditions like high blood pressure under control can support overall metabolic health.

While lifestyle changes can make a meaningful impact, they're not a substitute for medical care. In some cases, these habits may even help delay or improve type 2 diabetes. If you're concerned about your blood sugar, a simple blood test from a health care provider can help guide next steps.

Our Expert Take

Elevated blood sugar is not always accompanied by symptoms. However, there are some sneaky signs to be aware of. If you have high blood sugar, targeted lifestyle changes—like a blood sugar-friendly diet, exercise and weight loss, if indicated—can make a meaningful difference. The first and most impactful change you can make is to assess your eating habits. If you need assistance planning meals specific to your food preferences and culture or discovering which foods work best for your body, consider meeting with a registered dietitian. These nutrition experts can provide personalized guidance on the best ways to structure your meals and snacks for better blood sugar and overall health. 

https://www.eatingwell.com/sneaky-signs-your-blood-sugar-is-too-high-11981073

Prediabetes: 7 Warning Signs of an Under-the-Radar Condition

From essentiahealth.org

Type 2 diabetes can sneak up on you. Why? Prediabetes, the condition that often comes first, is stealthy. It usually doesn’t cause symptoms, enabling it to go undetected.

Symptoms can occur, though, and identifying them can help you bring prediabetes out of the shadows. Learn how to spot the warning signs and get a head start on preventing Type 2 diabetes.

What Is Prediabetes?

You have prediabetes if your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. In other words, you don’t have diabetes, but without taking action, your blood sugar may keep rising toward those levels.

Medical providers typically diagnose prediabetes using a pair of blood tests.

 

Test	Normal Range	Prediabetes	Type 2 Diabetes
Fasting plasma glucose	99 or lower	100 to 125	126 or higher
A1C	Lower than 5.7%	5.7% to 6.4%	6.5% or higher

 

“The main cause of prediabetes is difficulty making or responding appropriately to insulin, depending on the type of diabetes you are developing,” said Dr. Ryan Morgan, family medicine physician at Essentia Health. “Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar travel from your blood to your cells, which turn it into energy. Prediabetes usually happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively. As a result, sugar stays in the blood, and your blood sugar levels rise.”

Be Risk Aware

The vast majority of the 115.2 million U.S. adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Knowing your risk of developing prediabetes can stop this condition from keeping you in the dark. How? You can inform your primary care provider (PCP) about your risk factors. Your PCP can help you reduce them and monitor your health closely for signs of prediabetes or diabetes.

You have a higher risk of prediabetes if you –

• Are age 45 or older
• Are Asian American, African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander American
• Aren’t physically active
• Had heart disease or a stroke
• Had gestational diabetes
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Have a higher body weight
• Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or polycystic ovary syndrome

Prediabetes Warning Signs: What to Watch For

In most cases, prediabetes doesn’t cause any symptoms. Still, knowing what to look for can help you identify warning signs if they occur.

“The sooner you spot potential prediabetes symptoms and take action, the better,” Dr. Morgan said. “In addition to increasing your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes also raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.”

Left untreated, prediabetes can turn into diabetes within five years, the CDC reports. If you notice signs of prediabetes, don’t delay. Tell your PCP, who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend how to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Watch for these seven prediabetes warning signs:

1. Blurry Vision

The eyes are some of the many tissues from which high blood sugar can steal fluid. When that happens, your eyes can struggle to focus.

2. Fatigue

Excess sugar that stays in your blood doesn’t get converted into energy. That can leave you feeling drained.

3. Frequent Urination

Excess sugar may enter your urine, robbing your tissues of fluid along the way. The result: You feel thirstier, leading you to drink (and urinate) more.

4. More Active Appetite

If you don’t have enough insulin, insufficient sugar reaches your cells. As a result, your brain tells you to eat more, making you hungrier than normal.

5. Poor Healing

If you get a cut or scrape, it needs oxygen-carrying blood to heal. High blood sugar can disrupt blood circulation, slowing healing.

6. Rapid Weight Loss

This happens because cells are not getting the fuel they need, so they start using fat cells for energy.

7. Skin Changes

“Insulin resistance can cause a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans,” Dr. Morgan said. “People with this condition may see their skin darken in their armpits and groin, or on their neck, hands, or knees.”

Throw Prediabetes in Reverse

If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, the march toward diabetes isn’t unstoppable.

“You can change course,” Dr. Morgan said. “Partner with your PCP, who can help you create a plan to reverse prediabetes.”

Your PCP will likely recommend healthy lifestyle changes, including these steps –

• Avoid blood sugar-spiking foods and beverages. These include foods high in added sugar (such as candy and baked goods), simple carbohydrates (such as chips and white bread), and sugary beverages (such as fruit juice and soda).
• Give your diet a healthy makeover. Eat more foods that slow glucose absorption, which can reduce your body’s demand for insulin and stabilize your blood sugar. These foods include vegetables, healthy proteins (such as Greek yogurt and skinless chicken), and complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice and sweet potatoes).
• Lose weight. Dropping excess pounds can enhance your body’s use of insulin and improve other conditions that contribute to prediabetes, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Move more. Work up to performing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. Regular physical activity will help you lose weight and improve heart health.

Key Takeaways

Prediabetes increases your risk of diabetes but doesn’t make it inevitable. Here’s what to know –

• Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high but still below the threshold to qualify as diabetes.
• Most people with prediabetes don’t have symptoms, but several may occur, including fatigue, an increased appetite, blurry vision, and more.
• You can reverse prediabetes by building healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and following a nutritious diet.

https://www.essentiahealth.org/about/essentia-health-newsroom/primarycare-prediabetes-7-warning-signs-to-know

 

Not Thirst, Not Sugar: The First Signs Of Diabetes You’re Missing

From bwhealthcareworld.com

Diabetes in India is no longer confined to older adults. It is increasingly affecting younger populations, including children and adolescents, making early detection more urgent than ever. According to the International Diabetes Federation, India had an estimated 89.8 million adults living with diabetes in 2024. The ICMR-INDIAB study places adult prevalence at 11.4per cent, with another 15.3per cent classified as prediabetic. Among children and adolescents, government-linked data highlights a significant burden, with over 22.9 lakh individuals affected by type 1 diabetes globally in India’s context.

A Silent Disease With Early Clues

One of the biggest challenges with diabetes is that it often progresses quietly. While the condition is commonly associated with symptoms like excessive thirst and frequent urination, early warning signs tend to appear in less obvious ways particularly in the legs, feet and brain.

A Mayo Clinic review notes that diabetic neuropathy often begins in the lower limbs, leading to numbness, tingling, burning sensations, muscle weakness and slow-healing foot ulcers. These symptoms may appear mild initially but can indicate ongoing nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.

Experts Urge Attention to Subtle Symptoms

Dr. Bhupesh Kumar Mansukhani, Director – Neurology at Neuromet Wellness Care and Diagnostics, Gurgaon, said that early neurological changes linked to diabetes are often overlooked because they appear minor at first.

He said, “Unusual sensations in the legs such as tingling, numbness or burning, as well as subtle cognitive changes, can often be the earliest indicators of diabetic nerve involvement. These symptoms are frequently ignored or attributed to fatigue or lifestyle factors, but in individuals with risk factors like genetic predisposition or unhealthy habits, they may signal the beginning of a more serious metabolic disorder. Recognising these early warning signs is critical because timely intervention can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.”

He also stressed the importance of prevention and lifestyle management. He added, “A balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress are fundamental to preventing the progression of diabetes and its complications. Early identification of symptoms allows for timely medical intervention, which can slow or even prevent nerve damage from advancing to more severe stages.”

Brain Fog, Fatigue and Hidden Risks

Diabetes does not only affect the limbs, it can also impact brain function in subtle but significant ways. Dr. Gaurav Batra, Neurosurgeon (Brain & Spine) at Max Hospital, Vaishali, explained that fluctuating blood sugar levels can influence cognitive health, often presenting as symptoms that are easy to dismiss.

He said, “Symptoms such as persistent headaches, lack of focus, memory lapses and unexplained fatigue may not immediately be linked to diabetes, but they can reflect underlying fluctuations in blood glucose levels. These manifestations are often mistaken for stress or routine exhaustion, which delays proper diagnosis and management. However, in many cases, they may be early indicators of prediabetes or diabetes.”

He also emphasised the need for timely medical attention when such symptoms persist.

He added, “If individuals experience ongoing numbness in the legs, excessive fatigue, difficulty concentrating or wounds that are slow to heal, they should seek medical evaluation without delay. More serious warning signs such as sudden confusion, extreme fatigue or infections in the legs and feet require immediate attention, as they may indicate advanced complications.”

The Cost of Delayed Diagnosis

Delayed recognition of diabetes continues to be a major issue in India. Many patients begin treatment only after complications have already developed, increasing both health risks and financial burden.

A national representative study found that 38per cent of households with diabetic members face catastrophic health expenditure, while nearly 10per cent are pushed below the poverty line due to out-of-pocket costs. Medicines account for a significant share of these expenses, making early detection and consistent management essential.

A Growing Public Health Challenge

India’s diabetes burden is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of adults living with diabetes in India could increase from 89.8 million in 2024 to 156.7 million by 2050 if current trends continue.

This growing burden highlights the importance of identifying early, often overlooked symptoms before the disease progresses to advanced stages.

Why Early Detection Matters

Doctors emphasise that diabetes-related damage often begins long before visible symptoms appear. By the time classic signs emerge, nerve damage and metabolic complications may already be underway.

For this reason, even mild or seemingly insignificant symptoms especially those affecting the legs, feet or cognitive function should not be ignored. This is particularly important for individuals over 40, those with obesity, or those with a family history of diabetes.

In India, the bigger challenge is not just the disease itself, but the tendency to wait for clear symptoms. Recognising the early warnings can make the difference between prevention and lifelong complications.

https://www.bwhealthcareworld.com/article/not-thirst-not-sugar-the-first-signs-of-diabetes-you-re-missing-601760 

Is type 2 diabetes testing right for you?

From ahchealthenews.com

Nearly 28% of adults with diabetes have not been diagnosed, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Plus, the number of adults with prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, now affects 2 in 5 adults, and most people don’t know they have it.

These numbers are especially concerning given the damage untreated diabetes can do to major organs and blood vessels. That’s why diabetes testing is more important than ever.

Who is a candidate for diabetes testing?

“Testing should be considered if an adult is considered overweight or obese and has one or more risk factors,” says Dr. Ruchita Patel, an endocrinologist at Advocate Health Care. “People with prediabetes should be tested yearly, and people who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes should have testing every one to three years.”

Health care providers typically don’t screen for diabetes in adults who are overweight until they are 35 years old. Screening may be considered earlier if you have certain risk factors, including:

• A first-degree relative, such as a mother or father, with diabetes
• A history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, low HDL cholesterol levels or polycystic ovary syndrome

Because diabetes develops gradually, there are often no obvious symptoms at first. This is why many people go undiagnosed. These challenges make early testing crucial, especially for those more likely to develop the disease.

“Diabetes is a silent disease,” Dr. Patel adds. “Several of the symptoms are often ignored until it’s too late. Awareness is key.”

The good news is that testing involves a simple blood draw to check your A1C and blood glucose levels.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The most common symptoms are:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises that heal slowly

Weight loss is also a sign of type 1 diabetes, and tingling in the hands and feet is common in type 2 diabetes.

How to reduce your risk

If you are at risk of developing diabetes, it’s important to lower your blood sugar by focusing on weight loss and moderate exercise.

“Research shows that you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% if you lose 7% of your body weight and do moderate exercise for 30 minutes five days a week,” Dr. Patel says.

The best moderate exercise is the one that gets your heart rate up and helps you stay consistent. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing are all good choices.

Want to learn more about your risk for diabetes? Take a free online quiz. 

https://www.ahchealthenews.com/2026/03/13/is-diabetes-testing-right-for-you/