Diabetes symptoms: Beware of these 5 types of body pain that could indicate high blood sugar

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines diabetes as a chronic health condition that occurs either when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is the hormone that helps control and regulate the blood sugar in the body, adds the global health agency.

Currently, diabetes is said to be the ninth leading cause of death, accounting for an estimated 1.5 million deaths globally.

There are two types of diabetes, namely Type 1 and Type 2.

While type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your pancreas produces little to no insulin, type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way your body processes and regulates blood sugar/glucose. With type 2 diabetes the body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin. This causes the blood sugar levels to spike to dangerous levels, leading to painful sensations in the body.

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High blood sugar can cause diabetic neuropathy, also called peripheral neuropathy, which damages the nerves that send signals from your hands and feet.

According to Diabetes.co.uk, "Diabetic nerve pain most commonly occurs when a person with diabetes has prolonged spells of high blood sugar levels."

"It is thought that high blood glucose affects the nerves by damaging the blood vessels which supply them," they add.

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Diabetic neuropathy can lead to painful and discomforting sensations in the body. It could lead to numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet.

Diabetes.co.uk lists down the kind of pain one may experience if they suffer from consistent high blood sugar:

- Prickling or tingling feelings

- A burning sensation

- Sharp, stabbing or shooting pains in the peripheral regions or extremities, such as feet and legs, hands and arms.

Those with diabetic nerve pain may also find it difficult to go about their daily activities including "walking, exercising or working with their hands," says the health body.

There are a wide-range of symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. Some of these include:

- Increased thirst, dry mouth

- Frequent urination

- Extreme fatigue and tiredness

- Blurred vision

- Unintentional/unexplained weight loss

- Recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections

- Gastrointestinal issues

- Changes in sleeping and eating pattern

- Fruity-smelling breath

Your lifestyle habits can play an important role in keeping your blood sugar levels in check.

Eating a healthy diet, limiting certain foods, being physically active can all help in maintaining normal blood sugar.

Foods that are high in glycemic index (GI) (carbohydrates) should be avoided at all costs. Since these can be broken down quickly, it could lead to a spike in blood sugar levels.

Sugary foods and drinks, white bread, potatoes, white rice are all unhealthy for those who are diabetic.