How to tell if you have diabetes: the warning signs

Statistics from International Diabetes Federation released to mark Monday's International Diabetes Day revealed there were more than 280,000 new cases of diabetes last year, pushing the number of diabetics in the UAE past one million.

Dr Safdar Naqvi of Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi highlights symptoms that could signal diabetes:

Blurred vision: Sight problems, such as blurring of vision, may be a sign of diabetes due to the effects of sugar on the lens.

Weakness and fatigue: This could be a sign of diabetes related to high blood glucose levels and its associated effects, which contribute to weakness and fatigue.

Increased thirst: This is a side effect of frequent urination, which causes loss of fluids in the body and the feeling of constant thirst as the body needs to replenish the fluids.

Slow healing of cuts and bruises: Blood is needed to heal cuts and bruises, so when blood vessels are being damaged by the increased levels of glucose in the body, the healing process may be delayed.

Frequent urination: The average person will urinate four to seven times per day depending on the state of their hydration. If a person is going much more, it could be a sign that they have diabetes. The body reabsorbs glucose when it passes via the kidneys, but for someone with diabetes, with elevated blood sugar levels, the body may find it difficult to bring it all back in and so will produce more urine to get rid of the excess.

Constant hunger: Related to fluctuations in blood sugar, constant hunger may also be a sign of diabetes.

Itchy skin: This can be a sign, especially if it is localised, as fungal infections are common in diabetes, but sometimes it is related to dry skin, which is another common symptom.

Numbness or tingling in hands, legs or feet: Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in the extremities, causing weakness, numbness or pain. If you experience any unusual feeling in your hands, legs and feet, it is best to get them checked out by your doctor.

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without any change to normal food intake, exercise or activity levels or emotional factors could be a warning sign of diabetes. What happens is that insulin is not transporting glucose to the cells in the body where it can be used for energy. In turn, the body thinks it is going into starvation mode and starts breaking down other fuel sources, such as fat and protein, for energy, resulting in weight loss.

*Dr Safdar Naqvi, executive and medical director, consultant physician and endocrinologist, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi