Diabetes doesn't always make you feel unwell at first, meaning symptoms of the disease can be hard to identify, but a pharmacist has shared three early warning signs.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist from Chemist Click, has highlighted some of the early signs of type 2 diabetes that appear as soon as we wake up. Mr Kanani pointed out three specific sensations that, if you experience them first thing, could be a sign that you have the disease.
As noted by Diabetes.co.uk, one of the primary indicators of diabetes is polydipsia, more commonly known as excessive thirst. Occasional thirst is normal, but a persistent and intense need for water, even after drinking, could signal an underlying health issue like diabetes.
According to the London Diabetes Centre, the thirst and increased urination of diabetes are well known and occur when blood glucose is high.
Mr Kanani explained that in addition to increased thirst, you might also experience increased hunger "or feel the need to pee frequently."
The sensation of excessive hunger is officially known as polyphagia, with the NHS listing this as one of the three key signs of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects the body's ability to extract energy from food, resulting in an overwhelming sense of hunger.
This and an urge to frequently urinate, also known as polyuria, as well as feeling thirsty, are three signs you should seek medical advice.
The NHS advises contacting your GP "as soon as possible" if you're experiencing these symptoms. A blood test can confirm the results.
Some signs aren't as obvious. The London Diabetes Centre warned: "Many of the early symptoms of diabetes are more subtle—or not there at all—and it is often called the 'silent killer'. Some of these include non-specific tiredness, drowsiness, blurred vision, sexual difficulties, poor healing of minor wounds, and fungal infections and boils."
For those already living with type 2 diabetes, the pharmacist stressed the significance of starting the day with breakfast, as this helps control blood sugar levels.
"The body's blood sugar levels are naturally high when we wake up and it is generally recommended to eat between one to one-and-a-half hours after waking," said Mr Kanani.
