I know I have a lot of content that lists out diabetes symptoms and tips for managing your blood sugar levels. Here is a YouTube video by Dr. Siobhan Deshauer, it was a refreshing take on Diabetes.
What is in the video?
I know many of you are busy, whilst I highly recommend the video above below are the main takeaways if you’re in a rush.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where your body struggles to manage blood sugar levels. Normally, the hormone insulin moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells to be used for energy. With diabetes, either:
- Your body stops producing insulin (Type 1 diabetes), or
- Your cells become resistant to insulin and don’t respond properly (Type 2 diabetes).
Since Type 2 diabetes is far more common, that’s our focus today.
Common Warning Signs of Diabetes
1. Frequent Urination & Increased Thirst
If you find yourself getting up several times a night to pee, it could be a sign of high blood sugar. When there’s too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys work overtime to flush it out, dragging water with it. This makes you urinate more, leading to dehydration—and the cycle continues.
2. Skin Changes: Dark Patches & Skin Tags
Take a look in the mirror. If you notice dark, velvety patches of skin on your neck, armpits, or groin, this could be acanthosis nigricans, a sign of insulin resistance. Skin tags—those small, soft growths—are also more common in people with high insulin levels.
3. Frequent Infections
Diabetes weakens the immune system and creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. People with diabetes are more prone to:
- Skin infections (boils, abscesses, and yeast infections)
- Urinary tract infections (caused by excess sugar in the urine)
If you’re dealing with recurrent infections, it’s worth getting your blood sugar checked.
4. Stiff Hands & ‘Trigger Finger’
High blood sugar causes glycation, where sugar molecules attach to proteins in the body, making tissues stiff. This can lead to:
- Diabetic stiff hand syndrome – difficulty straightening your fingers
- Trigger finger – a finger that gets stuck in a bent position before snapping straight
Some people mistake these symptoms for arthritis, but they’re often linked to diabetes.
5. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Diabetes damages nerves, particularly in the feet and hands, causing numbness, tingling, or pain. Over time, this can change the way you walk, leading to foot deformities and ulcers. In severe cases, infections in the feet can go unnoticed, increasing the risk of amputation.
6. Digestive Issues & Slow Stomach Emptying
Diabetes can also affect digestion, leading to gastroparesis. If you often feel bloated, nauseous, or struggle with unpredictable blood sugar spikes, this could be the cause.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
The best way to check for diabetes is a HbA1c test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. A reading of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends getting tested at least every three years from the age of 35—or earlier if you have risk factors like being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
Yes! Here are some key ways to lower your risk:
✅ Eat high-fibre, unprocessed foods – Cut back on sugar and refined carbs
🏃 Exercise regularly – Both cardio and strength training help improve insulin sensitivity
⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight – Even small weight loss can make a big difference
🚭 Quit smoking – Smoking worsens insulin resistance and increases complications