Diabetes is a long-term condition where the body can’t properly use or make insulin, causing high blood sugar. Catching early signs is key to avoiding serious health issues.
One early symptom is **itchy or dry skin**, caused by dehydration as the body loses excess sugar through urine. **Dark, velvety patches** in skin folds (acanthosis nigricans) may signal prediabetes.
Another warning sign is **constant hunger (polyphagia)**. The body can’t use sugar for energy, so even after eating, the hunger doesn’t stop. This can be paired with **tingling or numbness in the hands and feet**, from nerve damage.
**Frequent urination and extreme thirst** are classic symptoms. As the kidneys try to remove extra glucose, the body becomes dehydrated. This also leads to **fatigue**, since cells aren’t getting enough energy.
Other signs include **blurred vision**, caused by fluid shifts in the eyes, and **unexplained weight loss**, as the body starts burning fat and muscle. **Slow-healing wounds**, especially on the feet, may signal poor circulation and immune function.
As the article states, *“Early diagnosis greatly improves diabetes management and long-term outcomes.”* Recognizing these signs early can make a big difference.
