Constant hunger, blurred vision, fungal infections… Your body is talking to you, what if it was diabetes?

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Type 2 diabetes is a sneaky disease that progresses quietly for years. When the diagnosis is made, it is often too late and complications are already threatening. However, our body alerts us well in advance, through a series of small signs that we must know how to decode. Frequent urge to urinate, chronic fatigue, wounds that do not heal… Discover the 7 symptoms revealing diabetes that sets in silently.

Constant need to urinate and extreme thirst

One of the most characteristic signals of too high blood sugar is the frequent, even permanent, urge to urinate. This is a sign that your kidneys are struggling to remove excess glucose. At the same time, an intense thirst gnaws at you, a direct consequence of this urinary “leak”.

Nocturia: when cravings wake you up at night

Normally, we don’t urinate at night. If you have to get out of bed 1 or 2 times (or more!) to satisfy a craving, it may be a sign of poorly regulated blood sugar levels. In medical language, we speak of “nocturia”. Remember to talk to your doctor!

Uncontrollable hunger despite copious meals

Eating without feeling full, feeling constantly hungry even after a substantial meal, snacking more often… An exacerbated appetite that is difficult to control is often linked to underlying diabetes. For what ? Because your cells struggle to capture glucose and constantly require energy.

Cravings and cravings for sugar: the vicious circle

To quickly calm these cravings, we often tend to reach for sugary foods. This is the start of a vicious circle: the more sweet you eat, the higher your blood sugar levels rise and the more fat your body stores, making the situation worse. Instead, try snacks high in fiber or protein.

Chronic fatigue that does not go away

You sleep enough, you eat healthily, but nothing helps: you constantly feel exhausted, drained of energy. This chronic and unexplained fatigue is a classic symptom of type 2 diabetes. The reason? Your cells are deprived of their main fuel, glucose.

Lack of glucose = lack of energy

When blood glucose is no longer properly captured by cells, they find themselves in an energy deficit. You then feel sluggish, without strength, unable to make sustained efforts. A warning sign not to be ignored!

Sores or infections that drag on

Have you injured or cut yourself and the healing continues? Do your infections take weeks to completely heal? Too high blood sugar levels can explain these abnormally long delays. Excess sugar tends to “clog” your small vessels, slowing blood circulation.

Diabetic foot, a serious complication

The feet and legs are often the first to be affected. Left untreated, ordinary wounds can then develop into ulcers, making the tissues necrotic and leading to major amputations. We speak of “diabetic foot”, a very serious complication of diabetes.

Darker and thickened skin in places

On the back of the neck, under the armpits, inside the elbows, knees… Do you notice areas of skin that are more pigmented, thicker, more “rough” than usual? It may be “acanthosis nigricans”, an early skin manifestation of diabetes.

Insulin, responsible for this symptom

This is a sign that your body is producing too much insulin to compensate for the cells’ loss of sensitivity to this hormone. Excess insulin then stimulates the production of keratin and pigments by the skin. The result is this characteristic dark and thickened appearance.

Repeated mycoses or yeasts

Recurrent vaginal mycoses, oral thrush, onyxis (nail fungus)… Fungal infections that never heal or keep coming back should alert you to possible diabetes. Stagnating sugar in the blood promotes the proliferation of yeast.

Candida albicans, the sworn enemy of diabetics

The star of fungal infections in diabetics is Candida albicans. This yeast naturally present in the body quickly becomes invasive as soon as blood sugar levels spike. Intestines, urogenital sphere, skin, mouth… No mucous membrane is safe!

Unexplained and localized weight gain

Weight gain and type 2 diabetes are closely linked. A thickening waistline, a growing belly… This is often the first external sign of disturbed blood sugar levels and developing insulin resistance. Excess sugar ends up stored as fat.

Insulin, the hormone that makes you gain weight

Faced with increasing blood glucose, the pancreas produces even more insulin. Problem: this hormone is a great matchmaker for fat storage! Weight gain, especially if it is concentrated in the abdominal area, should suggest diabetes.

FAQ: everything you need to know about screening for type 2 diabetes

What tests can diagnose type 2 diabetes?

The doctor uses a measurement of fasting blood sugar or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These tests allow you to see if your blood sugar level is abnormally high, a sign of diabetes. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) also provides information on glycemic balance over the last 3 months.

Can type 2 diabetes be completely cured?

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but it can be controlled over the long term with appropriate care (diet, physical activity, treatment). The goal is to normalize blood sugar levels over the long term to avoid complications. Remission is possible if diabetes is caught early.

How do I know if I am at risk of diabetes?

The main risk factors are: overweight/obesity, sedentary lifestyle, ultra-processed diet, family history of diabetes, age > 45 years, hypertension, high cholesterol and triglycerides. Ask your doctor for a blood sugar test if you are concerned!

You will have understood, type 2 diabetes is advancing its pawns discreetly but surely. Hence the importance of being attentive to the subtle messages your body sends you. If several of these signs concern you, make an appointment with your doctor quickly for a screening. Early treatment increases your chances of living a long and healthy life, without complications!