Diabetes can go undetected for many years because the problem that drives symptoms – high blood sugar levels – can be reluctant to rear its ugly head.
The warning signs don’t necessarily make you feel ill or they tend to be general, which makes knowing what to look for front and centre.
While hallmark signs like needing the toilet more often and being extremely thirsty are top of the lists of diabetes symptoms, other lesser-known symptoms could also hold clues.
In fact, the first signs and symptoms of diabetes can strike in your mouth, according to Better Health Channel.
The health portal explains that paying attention to your oral health and speaking to your doctor about any suspicious changes could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
The reason for oral health problems in diabetics boils down to high blood sugar levels. High blood glucose makes patients with the condition less resistant to infections and unable to heal as easily. This can lead to the following red flag signs in your mouth:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Gum abscesses
- Tooth decay
- Fungal infections (such as thrush)
- Lichen planus (an inflammatory, autoimmune skin condition)
- Mouth ulcers
- Taste disturbances
- Dry, burning mouth due to low saliva levels.
Better Health Channel advises paying close attention to your oral health and dental care if you are living with diabetes. It states: “Visit your dentist every six to 12 months for advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.”
In a previous interview with Expres.co.uk, leading dentist Rizwan Mahmood, from Rüh Dental, explained that dentists are at the forefront of spotting serious health conditions like diabetes which can be developing in the body without you knowing.
He said: “This is why people should visit their dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleaning. It’s also wise to be aware of any changes in the mouth. If you notice anything untoward, see your dentist or medical practitioner.”
While your mouth could ring alarm bells, the key symptoms of diabetes worth knowing include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- Blurred vision.
The NHS recommends visiting your GP as soon as possible if you experience these main symptoms of diabetes.
