CASES of potentially deadly diabetes are on the rise with millions of Brits thought to be at risk.
Figures reveal early onset type 2 diabetes, which used to be rare, is rising as more Brits become overweight and unfit.
Diabetes UK warns the total could hit 200,000 by 2027 out of around five million patients in total.
While key symptoms usually include extreme thirst and an increased need to urinate, there could also be signs on your skin.
Diabetes is a serious condition in which the level of glucose in your body is too high.
There are two types, with the main difference being that type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition, with type 2 mainly being down to lifestyle choices.
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But both are as serious as each other and can lead to serious health complications.
According to a study, skin complications are often the first visible sign of diabetes.
With that in mind, it's important to know how the illness could show up in your skin.
Pharmacist, Bruce Green said that diabetic skin can be similar to skin that has prematurely aged.
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"The skin changing process is ‘Glycation’. A process where proteins and sugars are cross-linked to advanced glycation end products (age) – there is a negative impact on the elasticity of the skin, when collagen and elastin are stiffened," he said.
He explained skin problems are more likely amongst diabetics because of reduced circulation and reduced sensitivity of nerves.
In addition, Bruce, who is the founder of diabetic skincare range, SOS Serum Skincare said there are six key warning signs you need to be aware of.
Signs to look out for on the skin are:
- Yellow or brown patches or bumps
- A darker area of skin that feels velvety particularly around the neck and armpit
- Hard-thickened patches of skin – particularly on fingers and toes
- The sudden appearance of blisters or groups of blisters
- Skin spots – small and barely noticeable depressions on the skin
- Extremely dry and itchy skin patches in particular on the arms, legs, elbows and feet.
However, these aren't the only symptoms to be aware of.
The NHS recommends that you see a doctor if you are feeling very thirsty, or peeing more frequently than usual – particularly at night.
Feeling very tired, weight loss, itching around the penis or vagina, frequent episodes of thrush and blurred vision are also warning signs.
Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days.
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general, or there are no symptoms at all.
The life-threatening condition is often triggered by poor lifestyle habits like eating too much unhealthy food or not exercising.
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More than 700 people with diabetes die prematurely every week.
If not managed correctly the condition can also lead to sight loss and the limb ambutations.
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