A SUBTLE change to the skin could be an early warning sign of diabetes, a leading surgeon has warned.
Figures reveal that early-onset type 2 diabetes, which used to be rare, is rising as more Brits become overweight and unfit.
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Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar levels that can lead to serious complications if caught and treated early.
Around five million people in the UK are currently pre-diabetic, recent data from the Office for National Statistics suggests.
This happens when blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
While key symptoms usually include extreme thirst and an increased need to urinate, Dr Maksims Mukans, a renowned bariatric surgeon at Weight Loss Riga, says there could also be signs on your skin.
He said: “Many people may not realise that certain skin conditions can be linked to underlying issues such as insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.”
Dr Maksims points out that one common symptom linked with these conditions is the darkening of the skin in certain areas, particularly around the neck, armpits and groin.
This condition, known as acanthosis nigricans, often suggests insulin resistance and can occur before diabetes develops.
“Acanthosis nigricans is not just a cosmetic concern, it’s a potential red flag for underlying metabolic dysfunction,” Dr Mukans explained.
“Anyone noticing such changes in their skin should consider consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
“Ignoring these signs could be playing into the hands of a silent killer.”
Diabetes in the UK
More than five million Brits are thought to be living with diabetes, with cases doubling in the last 15 years.
The NHS spends at least £10billion annually on the disease — around 10 per cent of its entire budget.
It causes blood sugar levels to become too high because of problems with how the body produces the hormone insulin, which breaks down glucose.
Diabetes UK has previously estimated around 850,000 Brits are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, based on modelling by Public Health England in 2016.
The latest ONS figures come from analysing blood tests from 26,751 people in England from 2013 to 2019.
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What are the symptoms of diabetes?
According to the NHS, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes to watch out for include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Getting cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Having blurred vision
These are the most common signs that are typically reported by those suffering from the condition.
You should visit your GP if you experience any of these symptoms.
“Prevention and early intervention are key in the fight against diabetes,” Dr Mukans said.
“By paying attention to these warning signs and adopting healthy habits, people can take control of their metabolic health and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.”
He promotes habits like regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.
Regular screenings for people at risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes – such as those with a family history, overweight or obese individuals, and those leading sedentary lives – are also on his list.
“Prevention and early intervention are key in the fight against diabetes,” Dr Mukans said.
“By paying attention to these warning signs and adopting healthy habits, people can take control of their metabolic health and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.”
How to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, there are a few diet tweaks you can make to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes:
- Choose drinks without added sugar – skip out the sugar in your tea and coffee and stay away from fizzy and energy drinks
- Eat whole grains such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, wholemeal flour, wholegrain bread and oats instead of refined carbs
- Cut down on red and processed meat like bacon, ham, sausages, pork, beef and lamb
- Eat plenty of fruit and veg – apples, grapes, berries, and green leafy veg such as spinach, kale, watercress, and rocket have been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Have unsweetened yoghurt and cheese
- Cut down on booze – and have a few days a week with none at all
- Have healthy snacks like unsweetened yoghurt, unsalted nuts, seeds and fruit and veg
- Eat healthy fats included in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil
- Cut down on salt
- Get your vitamins and minerals from food instead of tablets