Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 percent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. You could be at risk of high blood sugar if you start passing more urine than normal, or if you become unusually thirsty or hungry.
Type 2 diabetes could be caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Without enough of the hormone, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into usable energy.
It’s crucial that if you think you may have diabetes, you speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
Some of the most common warning signs of diabetes include using the toilet more often than you’re used to.
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“The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop slowly, and many individuals are asymptomatic with the condition often picked up incidentally or during health check-ups,” Dr Vas told Express Health.
“The three most common symptoms include increased thirst, a higher frequency of urination [especially at night] and increased hunger.
“Less well recognised symptoms include unintended weight loss, constant fatigue, blurry vision, headaches, and frequent infections such as thrush or skin infections or wounds that take time to heal.
“Not infrequently, the existence of type 2 diabetes is picked up when individuals simply present with a major complication of diabetes – such a heart attack, stroke or a foot ulcer.”
But, just because you’re passing more urine than normal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have diabetes.
There are many reasons why someone might be using the toilet more often, or eating and drink more than normal.
Frequent urination may be caused by kidney or bladder problems, as well as anxiety, pregnancy, or an enlarged prostate.
Excessive thirst, meanwhile, could be caused by certain medications, and also by dehydration.
Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the signs and symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the warning signs or symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.
Diagnosing the condition early is very important, because patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.
If you have diabetes, you could lower your risk of high blood sugar by making just a few diet or lifestyle changes, and by regularly tracking your blood sugar levels.