The most common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, hunger and urination, but what are the most unusual signs that you are infected?
According to Diabetes UK statistics, symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Itching and dry skin:
Excess glucose in the blood can damage nerve fibers throughout the body. Nerve damage can cause itching on the surface of the skin, while damaged blood vessels can cause dry, itchy or scaly skin.
Erectile Dysfunction:
According to Age UK, more than 40 per cent of men aged 60 or older will experience erectile dysfunction during their lifetime, although the causes can vary. While the most common causes of erectile dysfunction are everything from a loss of sex drive to certain medications, high blood sugar can also be a cause of the problem.
Dry mouth:
When the body’s glucose stores are concentrated in the blood, less saliva is produced in the mouth. Having a little saliva in your mouth is not only annoying, but it can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Skin discoloration:
One of the lesser known warning signs of type 2 diabetes can be found in the neck, and it’s more common in people with darker skin. The appearance of dark spots on the skin may be widespread or visible only in the folds.
Weight loss:
This can happen when the body is unable to properly produce insulin, causing cells to run out of glucose, which is normally used for energy.
Frequent mood swings:
Constant feeling of irritability or noticeable mood changes can be caused by rapid changes in blood sugar levels.