A SUBTLE change in the skin could be an early warning sign of diabetes, a leading surgeon has warned.
Figures reveal that early-onset type 2 diabetes, which used to be rare, is on the rise as more Britons become overweight and unfit.
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Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar levels that can lead to serious complications if detected and treated early.
Around five million people in the UK are currently pre-diabetic, recent data from the Office for National Statistics suggests.
This happens when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
Although the main symptoms often include extreme thirst and an increased need to urinate, Dr. Maksims Mukans, a renowned bariatric surgeon in the Riga weight losssays there may also be moles on your skin.
He said: “Many people may not realize that certain skin conditions can be linked to underlying problems, such as insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. Maksims points out that a common symptom associated with these conditions is darkening of the skin in certain areas, particularly around the neck, armpits, and groin.
This condition, known as acanthosis nigricans, often suggests insulin resistance and may occur before diabetes develops.
“Acanthosis nigricans is not just a cosmetic concern, it is a potential warning sign of an underlying metabolic dysfunction,” explained Dr.
“Anyone noticing such skin changes should consider consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
“Ignoring these signs can play into the hands of a silent killer.”
Diabetes in the UK
More than five million Britons are believed to be living with diabetes, and cases have doubled in the last 15 years.
The NHS spends at least £10 billion annually on the disease – around 10% of its entire budget.
It causes blood sugar levels to become too high due to problems with the way the body produces the hormone insulin, which breaks down glucose.
Diabetes UK previously estimated that around 850,000 Britons live with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, based on modeling from Public Health England in 2016.
The latest ONS figures come from analyzing blood tests from 26,751 people in England from 2013 to 2019.
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What are the symptoms of diabetes?
According to the NHS, type 2 diabetes symptoms to look out for include:
- Peeing more than usual, especially at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Lose weight without trying
- Itching around the penis or vagina, or thrush repeatedly
- Get cuts or wounds that take longer to heal
- Having blurred vision
These are the most common signs typically reported by those suffering from the disease.
You should visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
“Prevention and early intervention are key in the fight against diabetes,” said Dr. Mukans.
“By paying attention to these warning signs and adopting healthy habits, people can take control of their metabolic health and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.”
It promotes habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Regular screenings for people at risk for prediabetes or diabetes — such as those with a family history, individuals who are overweight or obese, and those who lead sedentary lives — are also on their list.
“Prevention and early intervention are key in the fight against diabetes,” said Dr. Mukans.
“By paying attention to these warning signs and adopting healthy habits, people can take control of their metabolic health and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.”
How to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, there are some dietary adjustments you can make to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes:
- Choose drinks without added sugar – avoid sugar in tea and coffee and stay away from carbonated and energy drinks
- Eat whole grains, such as brown rice, whole-grain pasta, whole-grain flour, whole-grain bread, and oats, instead of refined carbohydrates
- Reduce your consumption of red and processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausages, pork, beef and lamb
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables – apples, grapes, berries and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, watercress and arugula have been linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Eat unsweetened yogurt and cheese
- Reduce your alcohol consumption – and go a few days a week without drinking at all
- Eat healthy snacks such as unsweetened yogurt, unsalted nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables
- Eat healthy fats included in nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil
- Reduce salt
- Get vitamins and minerals from food instead of pills
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
