Not Everyone Will Notice: 6 Subtle Symptoms of Diabetes 0 10

There are a number of characteristic symptoms of diabetes that should definitely be taken into account. These include:

• Frequent urination (a constant feeling of needing to go to the bathroom);

• Intense thirst (especially increases due to increased strain on the kidneys);

• Deterioration of vision (at high blood sugar levels, blood vessels become more permeable, causing the liquid part of the blood to leak into the internal space of the retina).

• Minor but persistent weight loss;

• Darkening of skin areas (most often in the neck, armpits, and groin);

• Recurring fungal infections (often seen in women).

However, there are also subtle symptoms that are often the first signs of diabetes.

Persistent Fatigue That Lasts Even After Rest

One of the first signs of developing diabetes is chronic fatigue that does not go away even after a good night's sleep or rest. People suffering from diabetes often complain of a constant feeling of tiredness and decreased productivity. This fatigue is related to metabolic disturbances caused by a lack of glucose in the cells.

In diabetes, glucose does not enter the cells in the required amounts because the pancreas produces little insulin or the tissues stop responding to this hormone. As a result, the cells experience an energy deficit, leading to a state of constant weakness and fatigue.

Therefore, if you notice that after a night of sound sleep you feel weak in the morning, it may be worth checking your blood sugar level and consulting an endocrinologist.

Sudden Thirst and Frequent Trips to the Bathroom

We have already mentioned this above, but we will repeat it again. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes ignore these important symptoms and attribute them to anything but the disease.

Increased thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria) are classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. When blood sugar levels exceed normal, the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine. Along with glucose, water is lost, causing dry mouth and intense thirst.

Additionally, the excess sugar forces the kidneys to work harder, trying to filter the blood and get rid of the extra glucose. The increased workload on the kidneys leads to an increase in urine volume and a higher frequency of bathroom visits.

Hunger and Desire to Eat More Than Usual Along with Weight Loss

As diabetes develops, hunger can be accompanied by weight loss. Although the body receives an adequate amount of food, glucose does not enter the cells, leaving them "hungry." To compensate for the lack of energy, the body speeds up metabolism and burns fat and protein reserves, despite overeating.

People with increased appetite and no weight gain often attribute it all to stress or an active lifestyle. However, the combination of sharp appetite spikes and weight loss is an important marker indicating possible carbohydrate absorption issues.

Vision Problems, Blurriness, or Double Vision

Changes in the eyes due to diabetes are associated with swelling of the lens, which occurs against a background of high glucose concentration in the blood. Excess glucose enhances the production of an enzyme that converts it into sorbitol. Sorbitol attracts fluid into the lens, causing its fibers to liquefy, degenerate, and form cloudy spots.

Moreover, cataracts may develop in diabetes — a reduction in lens transparency, leading to difficulties in focusing on images and decreased visual clarity.

Appearance of Lines on Nails (So-Called Beau's Lines)

Horizontal indentations on the nail plates are called Beau's lines. They appear as a result of circulatory disorders or hormonal changes and signal diseases of internal organs, including diabetes.

Such lines can occur due to stress, finger injuries, or infectious diseases, but in some cases indicate serious pathologies such as pneumonia or diabetes. Any unusual changes in the appearance of nails should be noted and reported to a specialist.

Specific Sweet Smell from the Mouth

The smell of acetone or fruit from the mouth is also a warning of a possible increase in blood sugar levels. When faced with an energy deficit, the body is forced to switch to fat breakdown to maintain vital functions. This process produces ketone bodies, giving the breath a specific sweet-sour smell.

Such a smell should alert the patient, as it indicates serious disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism. It is necessary to urgently undergo tests and visit a therapist or endocrinologist.

Periodic Tingling or Numbness in the Extremities

Disruption of sensitivity in the feet and hands is called peripheral neuropathy. It is associated with prolonged exposure to high sugar levels on nerve endings. Patients feel slight tingling, pins and needles, or "needles" in their extremities, accompanied by periodic numbness.