7 often overlooked symptoms of pre-diabetes, which, if left untreated, can lead to full-blown disease

Prediabetes affects approximately 541 million people worldwide, according to the 2021data, and the number is expected to jump to 730 million by 2045. Catching it early can help you prevent the condition from progressing to type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is the transitional phase between normal blood glucose levels and diabetes. This means you have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, but it’s not high enough to qualify as a diagnosis of diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease and nerve damage. Here are seven often overlooked symptoms of pre-diabetes that require your attention.

One of the most noticeable signs that your body is walking towards diabetes is the darkened skin in the armpit and back of the neck. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by dark, velvety skin patches on the neck, armpits, or groin. This symptom is a sign of insulin resistance, and you should not ignore it at any cost.

Frequent thirst and taking many trips to the bathroom are subtle signs of pre-diabetes. This happens because of the high blood sugar levels. When the sugar levels spike, it forces the kidneys to work harder to excrete excess glucose through urine. This process dehydrates the body, leading to excessive thirst. People tend to dismiss this sign for other ailments. However, if there are no lifestyle changes, and you are still feeling thirsty often and find yourself running to the bathroom, it's time to consult a doctor.

If you notice your cuts or bruises taking more time than it is supposed to heal, it could be a subtle sign of pre-diabetes. High blood sugar impairs blood flow and weakens the immune system. This slows down the body’s repair process. Most of the pre-diabetic patients report delayed wound healing before diagnosis. Noticing this symptom early can prevent complications.

Vision changes are a hallmark symptom of pre-diabetes. You may experience blurry vision or difficulty focusing. This happens due to the elevated glucose levels, which cause fluid shifts in the eyes. The lens function gets affected due to this. This symptom may come and go, and hence, there are more chances of it being overlooked. Regular eye exams and blood sugar checks can catch this early warning sign.

Another significant sign of pre-diabetes is a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands and feet. This condition is known as neuropathy, which can be an early sign of pre-diabetes. Excess glucose in the bloodstream damages the nerve endings, causing these sensations. Most people tend to mistake this for poor circulation or fatigue and delay consulting a doctor.

Remember, feeling exhausted all the time is never a good sign. It is a significant symptom of many illnesses. If you feel unusually tired despite adequate rest, it may signal pre-diabetes. The high blood sugar levels impair the body’s ability to use glucose effectively for energy. This could lead to persistent fatigue. If you feel persistently exhausted, and when it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.

Pre-diabetic people tend to lose weight, and some even gain a few kilos. Insulin resistance may cause the body to store excess fat or, conversely, burn muscle for energy. If this weight loss or weight gain happens without any changes in your diet or lifestyle, consider discussing it with a healthcare provider to assess pre-diabetes risk.