Detecting diabetes: Beware of these 6 lesser-known symptoms of the 'silent killer'

Diabetes is one of the most worrying lifestyle diseases that are ailing India today. According to a report, this non-communicable disease has caused more deaths in our country than the Covid-19 virus or cancer!

According to a 2022 report by TOI (Times of India), diabetes-induced deaths grew to 39 per cent from 2019-2020, much ahead of Covid-19 and cancer.

India’s fatal relationship with diabetes is not a new phenomenon though. A 2016 survey published by the Global Burden of Diseases reported that diabetes was the seventh most common cause of death in the country.


Diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce insulin (type 1) or doesn’t use insulin properly (type 2). Both types lead to a high concentration of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in your blood and enables your body to use sugar from carbohydrates for energy.

Diabetes is not a curable disease, but it can be kept in check through lifestyle and dietary changes. Timely medical intervention is another way to ensure that the disease does not progress to advanced stages. Regular monitoring of the symptoms is a must if you want to preserve your health. While there are some common symptoms of diabetes like feeling more thirsty than usual or urinating more often, there are some more obscure symptoms that you have to be aware of if you want are planning to manage diabetes. If one or more of these symptoms occur, its time to pay a visit to the doctor.

Dark Patches On Your Neck

That discolouration in your neck might just be sunburn… or it can be your body giving you a wake-up call.

This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans (AN). It is common in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It occurs when high levels of insulin in the bloodstream cause skin cells to reproduce faster than normal.

Increased Skin Irritation

Has your skin felt extra itchy lately? Or does your skin feel dry even after increasing your water intake or applying moisturiser? That may well be a symptom of diabetes. Poor blood circulation combined with the loss of vital fluids (from frequent urination) leads to your skin drying out faster than normal.

Wounds Taking Longer To Heal

That minor cut that stubbornly refuses to heal even after a week? It may be a diabetes symptom. High levels of sugar in your blood wreak havoc on the veins and arteries and disrupt blood circulation. This causes delays in healing from cuts and bruises.

Blurring Of Vision

Have problems with eyesight lately? Vision changes may occur in the last stages of diabetes. High sugar levels can alter the fluid levels in your eyes, resulting in blurry vision and swelling in the eyes.

Fruity Breath

Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, be aware of how your breath comes across. If people around you say that it smells fruity or like nail polish, don’t delay in booking an appointment with your doctor.

As the body becomes increasingly unable to utilise insulin for energy, it targets the fat cells to sustain itself. This process produces an acid known as ketones. Excessive ketones in the bloodstream leave your breath smelling of fruits. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.