8. TINGLING AND NUMBNESS IN THE EXTREMITIES Nerve damage can manifest by causing numbness or a tingling sensation, particularly in the hands and feet. Experiencing a burning pain or swelling in these areas are also potential warning signs that should not be ignored. This type of nerve damage can become permanent if left untreated, so getting medical attention early will greatly increase the chances of reversing it.

7. BLURRED VISION Abnormally high blood glucose levels can cause changes in the eyes, altering the shape of the lens which then results in blurred vision. In addition, seeing occasional “flashes” of light and seeing “floaters” may also be a warning sign. Fortunately, vision problems like these are often reversible after blood sugar levels are returned to normal levels. Failure to address these symptoms could cause permanent damage as well as blindness.

6. PROLONGED HEALING While you might expect a cut, scrape or another injury to normally heal in a week or two, diabetes can slow the healing process significantly. Too much glucose in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels and hamper their ability to provide adequate blood flow to injured areas, which is crucial for proper healing.

5. SKIN PROBLEMS Skin conditions can signal the onset of diabetes and will often include dry or itchy patches of skin, as well as a condition known as acanthosis nigricans.

4. FEELING HUNGRY ALL THE TIME When the body thinks it is starving due to its inability to absorb the glucose it normally uses for fuel, it can trigger excessive hunger in response. As blood sugar levels change, feelings of hunger may be the result.

3. WEIGHT LOSS Although diabetes is often cited as a risk factor for obesity, the onset of diabetes can cause rapid weight loss. The inability of the body to absorb glucose tricks it into thinking that starvation is the problem, and the body will then begin to use protein from muscle tissue for fuel, resulting in weight loss. A loss of 10 or 20 pounds over a period of two or three months is not considered a normal, healthy weight loss.

2. EXCESSIVE THIRST As a result of the kidneys working overtime to rid the bloodstream of unused glucose, higher levels of fluid are flushed from the body. In response, a person is quite likely to feel thirsty much more often than usual as the body signals it’s requirement to replace lost fluids.

1. FREQUENT URINATION An increase in the number of times a person has to urinate may be an indication of diabetes. As the body loses its ability to use the glucose in the bloodstream, the kidneys respond by trying to remove the extra glucose through urination, which can create the need to visit the bathroom more often than normal. Waking up at night to urinate, especially multiple times is quite common for those who are developing type 2 diabetes.