This 'itchy' symptom could be overlooked warning sign of serious condition
Itchiness can be caused by an array of different things, and it by no means guarantees that you have any health conditions. Allergies, climate and skin type could all cause itching in various parts of your body.
But one particular "itchy" symptom could indicate a serious condition that affects your blood sugar, reports The Mirror.
There are two main types of diabetes type 1 and type 2, with the latter being far more prevalent, accounting for approximately 90 per cent of all cases.
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Lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity, or a family history of the disease often contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. However, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unknown.
Early detection of diabetes symptoms can lead to quicker treatment. With this in mind, an expert shared some warning signs of diabetes. Dr Neel Patel, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said: "Diabetes sometimes goes undetected as some of the symptoms go unnoticed.
"However, it's best to identify diabetes earlier so that you can avoid later complications or potentially avoid developing diabetes altogether."
The doctor highlighted one lesser-known symptom of type 2 diabetes - itchy genitals or thrush, reports the Express. According to Diabetes.co.uk, this symptom is caused by excessively high blood sugar levels.
It explains: "Genital itching and burning can indicate a female or male yeast infection. Regular yeast infections are a sign of type 2 diabetes. In diabetes, blood glucose levels can go abnormally high, which can therefore provide ideal conditions for naturally present yeast to grow and also diminishes the body's ability to fight infection.
"Diabetes can also cause a higher glucose content in the urine – another extremely suitable place for yeast to thrive."
This could easily be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can also cause itching in that area. However, if the itching appears alongside other diabetes symptoms, it could be a signal that you have the condition.
Dr Patel outlined additional symptoms to look out for and explained who's most vulnerable to developing diabetes. "Generally, people who are overweight or obese are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes," he noted.
"Specifically, those with an unhealthy waistline measurement and excess fat around their pancreas and liver are at high risk. Certain ethnicities also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"People from black African, African Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds are generally at a higher risk. Diabetes can be very dangerous if it goes untreated. Most complications build up over time but others can present at any point. If you notice any signs of diabetes you should speak to your GP.
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