10 Non-Obvious Symptoms That Literally Scream That You Might Have Prediabetes

Our body reacts to any changes and gives us signals. Unfortunately, we often do not understand it. For example, prediabetes can be easily recognised by severe thirst, swelling or darkening of the skin, and other unusual symptoms, which we have described in this article.

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What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are slightly elevated. However, it is not so high that a person can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This condition is usually associated with insulin resistance, in which the body does not use insulin effectively, causing sugar to build up in the blood.

Unfortunately, most people don’t notice any symptoms and don’t realise that they may soon get diabetes.

1. Unintended weight loss

One of the signs of diabetes and pre-diabetes can be weight loss. A person loses weight for no apparent reason, without changing diet or activity. The weight just goes away, even though the lifestyle has not changed in any way.

Everyone knows that people with diabetes are often overweight. However, 10% of people with diabetes are normal or even underweight.

Why is this happening? The fact is that glucose is the sugar that enters the bloodstream when we eat and drink. The pancreas produces insulin in response to higher levels of sugar in your blood. The body needs this hormone to send glucose to all its cells. If you have diabetes, glucose builds up in your bloodstream. You may lose weight because your body needs a source of energy and burns fat and muscle instead.

2. Blurry vision

Blurry vision can be an early sign of prediabetes, not just an eye problem. High blood sugar causes fluid shifts that make the lens of your eye swell and change shape. This affects your focus, making things look fuzzy or out of focus.

With treatment, your blood sugar levels can stabilize, and your vision usually returns to normal. But if diabetes goes untreated, these changes can get worse and may lead to blindness.

3. Increased thirst and urination

Feeling thirsty all the time and needing to pee often are common signs of prediabetes. This happens because your kidneys can’t handle the extra sugar in your blood. Instead, the sugar goes into your urine, pulling fluids from your body. As a result, you pee more and get dehydrated. To make up for the lost fluids, you drink more, which leads to even more trips to the bathroom.

Most people urinate about 6-7 times a day. Anywhere from four to ten times daily is normal, as long as it’s consistent and doesn’t increase suddenly.

4. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet

Numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, feet, fingers, or toes is another common sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar affects blood flow, leading to nerve damage. Since hands and feet are farthest from the heart, they’re usually affected first.

Keeping your blood sugar under control can improve circulation and ease these symptoms.

5. Increased Hunger

Constant hunger, along with thirst and frequent urination, is one of the three main signs of prediabetes. When your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, it can’t turn food into glucose for energy. This leaves your cells starving, causing hunger that doesn’t go away after eating. In fact, eating more can raise your blood sugar even higher.

If you feel hungry all the time, even after meals, consider seeing your doctor. This is important, even if you don’t have other diabetes symptoms.

6. Gastrointestinal symptoms: flatulence, constipation and abdominal bloating.

Digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and gas can be signs of prediabetes. High blood sugar can affect the nerves that control your digestive system, slowing down digestion and causing constipation. Poor digestion may also lead to bloating and excess gas.

Keeping your blood sugar levels stable can help improve digestion. If these symptoms persist, talk to your doctor, especially if combined with other signs of diabetes.

7. Slow healing wounds

Slow-healing cuts and wounds can be a sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar causes inflammation and poor blood flow, making it harder for your body to repair damaged skin.

This is especially common in the feet, where sores can lead to serious complications. If your cuts and wounds take longer to heal than usual, talk to your doctor.

8. Bad Breath and Dry Mouth

Prediabetes increases the risk of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is why you get bad breath.

Dry mouth from high blood sugar reduces saliva and gives bacteria a breeding ground. The consequence? That dry-mouth feeling.

9. Darkening of the knuckles, neck and armpits

Darkening knuckles can be a symptom of many illnesses, but for this example we are discussing the possibility of prediabetes and diabetes. If your knuckles appear darker than usual, it could be a sign of insulin resistance, often linked to prediabetes or diabetes. Darkening of skin folds (acanthosis nigricans) may also appear in other areas like the neck and armpits.

10. Yeast infections

Yeast survives on sugar. So high blood sugar creates optimal conditionsfor ongoing yeast infections, especially in hot, damp areas like the mouth, genitals, and skin creases.

How to Stop Prediabetes

Having prediabetes doesn’t mean you’ll get diabetes. But it’s a wake-up call. The good news? Simple changes can help you turn things around.

• Eat healthier. Choose foods low in fat and calories. Go for fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocado and fish. Skip processed foods and limit red meat.
• Exercise regularly. Moving your body helps you use insulin better. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate activity—like walking, biking, or swimming—at least five days a week. Start slow. Build up as you go.
• Lose extra weight. Dropping just 5-10% of your weight can lower blood sugar. Healthy eating and exercise are key. A gym membership, trainer, or workout buddy can help you stay motivated.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases insulin resistance. Need help? Try nicotine patches, gum, or prescription meds.
• Cut back on carbs. Focus on complex carbs like veggies, whole grains, and beans. Avoid simple carbs like candy, fruit juice, and white bread.
• Treat sleep apnea. Keep in mind, too, that sleep apnea has been associated with insulin resistance. A doctor can check for sleep apnea and recommend treatments like a CPAP machine or oral appliance.
• Drink more water. Pure water is very beneficial for the body. Try to cut down on coffee, tea and sugary drinks and drink more plain water.
• Seek help from a specialist. When it comes to weight loss and proper nutrition, it is better to consult a specialist. A qualified nutritionist or nutritionist can help you make lifestyle changes.
• Consider medication. Lifestyle changes work for most people. But if blood sugar stays high, your doctor may prescribe metformin.

By the way, our nails can also speak about various health problems.