We mostly look at the common signs of diabetes
Our knowledge about diabetes is very much limited and to some extent misled too. Diabetes, a blood sugar disease, is linked to signs like frequency of urination, poor healing and exhaustion.
Unfortunately, many people ignore these signs as well and allow the disease to progress.
Here are a few unusual signs of diabetes which seem to be remotely related to the disease. Identifying these signs can help you spot the disease early.
Darker skin on neck
Thick and dark patchy skin on the neck is a sign of diabetes. This skin feels velvety and even sometimes coarse.
Known as acanthosis nigricans, this condition is seen in the groin and armpits too.
Funny smelling breath
A subsequent complication of diabetes is fruity smelling breath which is medically known as diabetic ketoacidosis.
When the body is unable to use insulin it breaks down fats for energy and in this process ketones are released. Due to excess ketones in the blood the breath smells like acetone or has a fruity smell.
Dry mouth
Remotely connected to the general idea we all have about diabetes, dry mouth is an unusual indicator of diabetes.
High blood sugar reduces the secretion of saliva and hence makes the mouth dry.
There is a downside to this, too little saliva in the mouth puts the tooth and gum at risk.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting, a common reaction of the body to complications, is also an indicator of diabetes.
Diabetes affects the digestive ability of a body. High blood sugar causes gastroparesis, which is a condition in which the way you digest your food is affected.
Unbearable pain in legs
Pain in the legs or feet is an indication that one may be having high blood sugar levels.
Nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, caused due to diabetes leads to pain or even numbness in limbs.
Many people experience burning sensation in the limbs.
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Sexual dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a warning sign of diabetes in men.
Due to high blood sugar the blood vessels and nerves that carry blood to penis get damaged making it difficult to achieve an erection.
Repeated episodes of infections
Diabetes compromises the body's immune system to fight back against pathogens and puts the body at risk of infection.
High blood sugar levels make the body more susceptible to illnesses.
The types of infections you can be prone to are vaginal infections, yeast infections, bladder infections and skin infections.