Common diabetes symptoms include thirst, a constant craving for water, frequent urination, blurred vision, and weight loss despite adequate food intake. In addition to these, people with diabetes may experience other symptoms:

Infections: High blood sugar forces small blood vessels in the glomeruli (part of the kidney) to work continuously under pressure to filter blood. Over time, the kidneys become exhausted, unable to filter effectively, leading to sugar being expelled through urine. High sugar in a warm, moist environment creates conditions for urinary tract and yeast infections, particularly in women.

Persistent itchy skin and slow-healing bruises: High blood sugar leads to rapid dehydration, resulting in dry skin. Skin infections or poor circulation linked to insulin also contribute to dry, itchy skin.

According to Very Well Health, prolonged uncontrolled blood sugar, poor circulation, and nerve damage hinder wound healing. The feet are particularly vulnerable, and these open sores are known as diabetic ulcers.

Lack of energy: Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps glucose from blood enter cells, converting it into energy for the body. Insulin resistance or ineffective insulin due to diabetes leads to cells lacking glucose and insufficient energy. As a result, patients often feel exhausted, experience reduced saliva leading to prolonged dry mouth, and have bad breath.

Other causes of fatigue may include hyperglycemia leading to dehydration and kidney damage.

Darkened skin around the neck and armpits: According to Healthline, insulin resistance causes excess insulin to stimulate abnormal skin cell growth. Darkened skin often appears on the neck, neck folds, and finger joints.

Darkened skin on the neck area can be a sign of diabetes. Photo: Duc Hanh

Mood changes and dizziness: High glucose can cause frequent urination, leading to dehydration. Low fluid in the body affects brain function, reducing concentration and memory.

According to Eating Well, frequent irritability or mood swings are other less-noticed signs of diabetes. Insufficient or resistant insulin prevents the body from delivering sugar to brain cells, leaving this organ energy-starved, causing rapid mood and feeling changes. However, this irritability and these mood changes are usually temporary and return to normal when blood sugar stabilizes.

To maintain stable blood sugar and reduce disease risk, individuals should eat a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, reduce stress and work pressure, get enough sleep, and drink sufficient water. Regular blood sugar checks and discussions with a doctor about any health abnormalities are recommended.

Anh Chi (Compiled)