A GP highlights subtle signs such as recurring yeast infections, tingling feet, and skin changes that may indicate diabetes long before the traditional warning signs show, urging awareness and early diagnosis.
A GP has highlighted a cluster of overlooked symptoms that can point to diabetes long before the more familiar warning signs appear, including recurring yeast infections, tingling feet and patchy changes in skin colour.
Dr Saira Bano, a GP, obesity specialist and co-founder of SwiftDoctor, said many people assume diabetes begins with obvious signs such as excessive thirst or frequent urination. But she warned that the condition can also show up in ways that are easier to dismiss, leaving people to live with symptoms for months or even years before getting checked. Health experts say nerve-related symptoms are especially important because diabetes can damage nerves over time, often beginning in the feet and legs. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about half of people with diabetes experience some form of nerve damage, and that daily foot checks can help catch problems early.
Among the signs Dr Bano singled out were recurring thrush or genital infections, which can happen when raised blood sugar creates a better environment for yeast to grow. WebMD says diabetes can make people more prone to thrush and other infections, while Healthline notes that repeat episodes should not be ignored if they keep returning after treatment. She also pointed to blurred vision that comes and goes, another symptom linked to shifting blood sugar levels.
She said people should also take slow-healing cuts, grazes and blisters seriously, particularly if they are getting more skin infections than usual. The CDC says persistently high blood sugar can affect circulation and immunity, making wounds heal more slowly and raising the risk of complications. A further warning sign is tingling, burning or numbness in the feet, which may indicate diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage.
Dr Bano also cited dark, velvety patches of skin, often around the neck, under the arms or in skin folds, as a possible clue to insulin resistance, which can develop before type 2 diabetes. While not everyone with these skin changes will develop diabetes, experts say they can justify a blood sugar check, especially when they appear alongside other symptoms.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
