Unusual Symptoms Related to Diabetes

Unusual Symptoms Related To Diabetes

Although the 2025 numbers are not officially in, “over 38 million Americans are currently diagnosed with diabetes, with about 90-95% being type 2.” Over 97 million Americans have pre-diabetes. The anticipated increases in diabetes in 2026 and beyond are “1 in 10 Americans will have diabetes.”

The CDC states “up to 8.7 million Americans are walking around with undiagnosed diabetes.” This equates into “1in 4 people not knowing they have a complicated chronic illness. These numbers are astounding and affect our entire health care system in a negative manner. Diabetes remains a significant public health challenge in the United States.

It is important to acknowledge and recognize the diagnosis of diabetes as soon as possible to start comprehensive treatment. Prompt diagnosis of diabetes will prevent multiple complications from happening in the future. The symptoms of diabetes need to be recognized quickly, whether they are considered “typical or not.”

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is when your body does not respond “effectively to insulin” in the cells of your fat, muscles and liver. The pancreas continues to pour out more insulin. As the insulin becomes more resistant, the blood sugar eventually goes up. Some causes of insulin resistance include:

Obesity – excess belly, visceral fat
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history – genes
Metabolic syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome – PCOs
Diet high in processed, ultra processed or refined carbohydrates such as white pasta, white rice, white bread, cookies, pastries, candy, chips, fruit drinks and soda.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is when your body has difficulty managing your blood sugars. Type 1 diabetes is “when you do not produce any insulin and type 2 is when you may make insulin, but it is not used correctly”. Type 2 can also be when do not make enough overall insulin. Sugar from carbohydrate foods accumulates in your bloodstream since it can’t enter your cells due to lack of insulin or under-utilized insulin.

Which are the most common and traditional symptoms of diabetes?

The most common symptoms prior to a diabetes diagnosis include:

Increased thirst – polydipsia
Increased hunger – polyphagia
Increased urination – polydipsia

These symptoms occur because your cells are not getting nutrients even though you are eating plenty of food. Your body increases urine production, especially during the nighttime, since the kidneys are working harder to filter out and absorb the excess sugar. You become very thirsty due to dehydration “from the body pulling out excess fluids.” Over “1.2 million people in the US are diagnosed with diabetes yearly.”

Other factors which may influence your risk of developing diabetes:

Family history of diabetes
Ethnicity – American Indian, Latino, Black
Having gestational diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Diet high in refined and processed foods
Aging – being over 45 or more
History of hypertension, stroke, heart attack, or high cholesterol
History of pre-diabetes
History of PCOs – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
History of smoking

Which are the more unusual and subtle signs of diabetes? Can these unrecognized symptoms make your diabetes control worse?

These symptoms associated with diabetes go unnoticed or may signal a diagnosis of another disease. Understand that any or each of these symptoms may be warning you that you do have diabetes.

1. Acanthosis Nigricans.

Also known as AN, they are dark patches of skin which feel velvety and can appear around your neck, groin or in your armpits. AN is more common in people with dark skin. It occurs because “higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream make cells reproduce faster than normal.” The skin also appears darker. It is a sign of insulin resistance or insulin not being used efficiently.

2. Skin tags.

Also known as “acrochordons”, these are non-cancerous, harmless extra clusters of skin tissue that form when the skin rubs against itself. Skin tags are the same color as your regular skin. They are common when you have diabetes and occur because of insulin resistance. Skin tags generally develop on the neck, eyelids, groin area, under the breasts and in the armpits. They can easily be removed by a dermatologist.

3. Frequent and reoccurring infections.

High blood sugars are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi growth. They feed on the sugar and then quickly multiply. High blood sugars also lead to a weakened immune system, making it more difficult to “fight off any infection.” White blood cells (WBC) cannot travel to attack infections when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. The most frequent infections seen with undiagnosed diabetes are vaginal infections, skin infections, Athlete’s foot, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections, yeast in the mouth called thrush, urinary tract infections (in both males and females), GI infections or respiratory infections. Any recurrent infection may alert you to a diabetes diagnosis.

4. Wounds that do not heal.

Normal healing of a typical wound should take about 2 weeks. After the first week, the redness and swelling should be gone. With diabetes, you have reduced immunity and poor circulation since you can’t get “glucose into your cells”. Wounds that do not heal can frequently be the first sign that you have diabetes. Your veins may be compromised and unable to push the blood back up to your heart which may cause the blood to pool in the lower legs which slows healing. High blood sugars create stronger bacteria which is more difficult for your body to eliminate. Always wash wounds with regular soap and water. Place antibiotic ointment on the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing. Seek medical care if you do not notice that you are healing.

5. Skin or hair changes.

Women, especially with PCOs, experiencing insulin resistance may develop more serious skin issues. Included would be more facial hair growth (hirsutism]) as well as acne, since insulin “stimulates the production of male hormones.” The specific androgen or male hormone is testosterone. Fine and sparse facial hair becomes both thicker and darker. More oil production in the skin occurs leading to clogged pores and acne. “Male pattern balding” may also occur which results in recession at the hairline as well as crown balding.

6. Visual disturbances.

Many times, there is a need for frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions without a documented reason. Changes in vision may be related to elevated blood sugars that can affect the eyes and your vision. High blood sugars cause swelling in the eyes and difficulty focusing on objects. High blood sugar can also create cloudy vision. Cataracts are more common and pronounced with diabetes. If a diabetes diagnosis is not detected, eye glass prescription changes will continue to occur. Cloudy vision due to cataract formation can occur in even younger patients who have diabetes and are not yet diagnosed. There is a higher risk of open-angle glaucoma as well as macular edema with diabetes. The retina is especially susceptible to problems when blood sugars remain high. Diabetic retinopathy creates damaged vessels, cause swelling and leaking, which could lead to blindness.

7. Weakness, dizziness or feeling lightheaded.

This can be symptoms of multiple illnesses, but it also remains an unrecognized symptom of diabetes. Both low and high blood sugars (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia) may cause dizziness, weakness or light headedness. High blood sugars lead to excess urination causing dehydration and wooziness. Low blood sugars under 70mg/dl can cause the same uncomfortable sensations. Although these symptoms may be related to other conditions including anxiety, medications, motion sickness, sudden drop in blood pressure, migraines or heat exhaustion, they may still indicate diabetes. The important message is “if you get these sensations frequently, quickly get your blood sugar tested.”

8. Sexual difficulties.

Sexual difficulties mainly happen to males “making it difficult for them to maintain an erection.” Elevated and out of control blood sugars damage nerve and blood vessels which carry blood to the penis. “Erectile dysfunction is about 3.5 times higher in men with diabetes compared to those without the disease.” Sexual problems may occur in women with diabetes as well. Poor lubrication may occur due to high blood sugars which creates painful sex. More research needs to be done concerning sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes. There are lifestyle changes and treatments which can help if this problem becomes an issue. Diabetes is just one reason leading to sexual dysfunction. Other causes may include psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, taking certain medications, hormonal imbalances, Parkinson’s disease, vascular or heart disease, kidney or liver failure. Sexual dysfunction is more common than you think. “30-40% of people, especially over the age of 40, experience sexual dysfunction at some point of their life.”

9. Brain fog.

High blood sugars may impair brain function causing you to become “spacy and forgetful.” High blood sugar can cause oxidative stress and brain inflammation causing poor blood circulation and making you think less clearly. High blood sugars also create a rise in neurotransmitters, including serotonin, causing brain cell damage and brain fog. Low blood sugar deprives your brain of glucose for energy resulting in cognitive difficulties and brain fog. You may feel “washed out and display mental cloudiness.”

Other possible causes of brain fog besides diabetes include:

Sleep apnea
Perimenopause
Respiratory infections – Flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 RSV
Sinus infections
Rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis (chronic inflammation)
Hypothyroidism
Fibromyalgia
Low vitamin B12, vitamin D or low iron levels
Dehydration
Medications – blood pressure, mental health, pain

What can you do about brain fog?

First, find out the cause. Try to get enough sleep, fresh air, eat a diet high in plants, quit smoking and drinking alcohol, try to journal daily and exercise. Do not make any major decisions while you are experiencing brain fog.

10. Anxiety and irritability.

High and low blood sugars can initiate mood swings, irritability, difficulty with problem solving, inability to find the right words and make you move in slow motion. You need to rule out that diabetes is the cause and approach it similarly to treating brain fog.

11. Sudden weight loss.

Most people who develop diabetes, especially type 2, do not experience weight loss. They tend to gain weight. Sometimes with diabetes, especially type 1, your cells do not get enough sugar due to lack of insulin and your body breaks down fats (ketones) and muscle mass to give you needed energy. This may cause sudden and rapid weight loss which could lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis, DKA, and severe complications.

12. Dry, burning, itchy skin.

Out of control and high blood sugars from undiagnosed diabetes can damage nerve fibers in your entire body. Your skin can also be more sensitive to temperature changes. It mainly occurs in the hands and feet and is known as neuropathy. High blood sugars can create damage to the blood vessels leading to reduced circulation in the arms and legs causing severely dry skin and rashes. The lower legs can end up with a prickling, burning sensation. Dehydration causes a loss of moisture, making your skin prone to itching. With diabetes and chronic inflammation, elevated blood sugars trigger an inflammatory response and release cytokines. Cytokines activate skin receptors to sense itching.

13. My feet feel like they are “on fire”.

This is related to nerve damage and neuropathy and may be a symptom of diabetes. It feels like “you are walking on hot coals.” Never go barefoot or without socks when you have diabetes. Do not use hot water in the shower or bath. Follow up with a podiatrist or foot doctor with any concerns.

Ways to keep dry skin in check:

Keep blood sugar regulated when you have diabetes.
Use mild non-fragranced body soap like Dove or Ivory.
Do not take hot baths or showers. Use tepid or lukewarm water.
Use fragrance-free and color-free body moisturizers. Cream and body butters are thicker than body lotion. Apply products while skin is moist preferably after a shower or bath.
Purchase OTC topical steroids after consulting with your health care provider. Purchase either 1% or 10% cortisone creams, especially those containing aloe.
Purchase OTC steroid free creams such as Cerave Moisturizing and Itch relief, Eucerin Original healing unscented cream or Aquaphor Healing cream.
Find specific diabetes-friendly, medicated foot creams for fungal problems.
Exercise to increase blood circulation.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
Do not smoke.
Use Free and Clear detergent.
Use a humidifier.

Other possible reasons for dry and itchy skin, with or without Diabetes:

Pinched nerves
Shingles
Obsessive compulsive disorder
End stage liver disease
Kidney disease
Anemia
Thyroid disease
Aging

14. Perspiring heavily or not at all.

Sweating more than usual or not sweating at all may be a sign of diabetes. Lack of sweating can be related to dehydration when your blood sugars are elevated. Excessive perspiration also known as “hyperhidrosis” may be a result of undiagnosed diabetes. It can also be a symptom of another serious condition and would need to be further evaluated. Diabetes affects how “your body regulates your temperature.” Low blood sugars cause adrenalin release which activates sweat glands and increases perspiration.

Other conditions which may cause excessive sweating:

Nerve damage
Intense physical pain
Hormonal imbalances
Thyroid problems
Cardiovascular issues
Infections

How is excessive sweating handled?

If it is from diabetes, getting blood sugar controlled is the most important way to regulate excessive perspiration. There are also lifestyle changes, medications available, and procedures including Botox injections or surgeries.

15. Hearing loss.

Hearing loss is “twice as common” in people with diabetes. It is 30% more common among those with pre-diabetes. Tinnitus or buzzing in the ears is also more prevalent when you have diabetes. This is due to small blood vessel damage as well as nerve damage in the ears. Both low blood sugars and high blood sugars may affect your hearing. If you find it difficult to follow conversations, need to constantly raise the volume of TV, music or the phone, get your ears checked out as soon as possible.

16. Periodontal disease or bleeding/receding gums

Periodontal disease leads to redness, bleeding, swelling, tooth loss, dry mouth and possible bad breath. This is often related to diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugars. People with diabetes have three times the risk of periodontal disease because of higher bacteria formation, more sugar in the saliva and added plaque development. High blood sugars impair your immune system and create chronic inflammation. Bacterial growth flourishes in the mouth causing infections and breakdown in the gum tissue. Other factors adding to the development of gum disease are genetics, smoking and your oral microbiome.

17. Positive Prayer hand position

High blood sugars are “directly related to diabetic stiff hand syndrome.” The added sugar in the bloodstream coats the tendons and makes it difficult to fully flatten and straighten your hands to get your palms to touch together as in a praying position. The tendons become thick and inflexible which limits their range of motion. This is different from arthritis. Your soft hand tissue may also become coated in excess sugar and cause discomfort.

18. Trigger finger

Often a symptom of diabetes, trigger finger is “when your fingers get stuck in position due to inflamed tendons.” They lock and catch, or remain, in a curled shape. Trigger finger may occur on any finger, even your thumb and could affect multiple fingers at the same time. When you try to bend your fingers, they snap and click and may remain bent. This is often accompanied by pain or severe discomfort. You generally feel a lump by the inflamed area or a soreness at the base of your finger. High blood sugars cause “collagen glycation”. There is also microvascular damage and reduced blood flow making it more difficult to heal. 10-15% of people with diabetes experience trigger finger and it is five times more likely when blood sugars are out of control. Trigger finger can be treated with physical therapy, cortisone shots, wearing a hand splint or getting surgery.

19. Frozen shoulder.

As with other orthopedic situations, when sugar coats the area since it remains too high in the bloodstream, you may develop pain and stiffness. This is called “adhesive capsulitis” when it is in the shoulder region. Frozen shoulder may cause extreme pain and stiffness and if not treated it may last for years. People with diabetes are 2.5 times greater risk for developing frozen shoulder. The elevated blood sugars damage collagen, decrease elasticity in the joints, create nerve damage and reduce blood flow to the shoulder due to poor circulation. Treatments may include controlling blood sugars, taking an oral collagen supplement, magnesium and vitamin D. Consistent physical therapy is the most important treatment for frozen shoulder recovery.

20. Constipation.

Constipation can also be a symptom of diabetes. Diabetes slows down the digestive process. Research suggests “60% of people with diabetes may experience constipation due to a variety of reasons. Certain medications slow gut motility. Dehydration from high blood sugars, a diet low in fiber, lack of exercise and nerve damage can increase the risk of constipation.

What can you do?

Always consult with a health care provider when you have a change in symptoms or a new symptom appears which may suggest you have diabetes. Get further help if your diabetes is uncontrolled.
If you do find out you have diabetes from these more subtle symptoms, get blood sugars under control with a proper diet, exercise and diabetes medications.
Remember, untreated or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to many long-term complications including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness or amputations.
Be proactive and plan your health check-ups accordingly.
You can take a random blood sugar test, an A1C blood test (3- month average) or a 2-hour glucose tolerance test to see if you have diabetes.
A diabetes treatment plan should be put in place to help you prevent future problems.

Do not remain in the dark. If you have any of these subtle symptoms or have developed more unusual symptoms, make sure you are checked for diabetes. Quickly take steps to establish diabetes control to live your best life.

References:

https://diabetesabc.com/complications/diabetes-and-frozen-shoulder-what-and-how/
https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/understanding-connection-between-gum-disease-and-diabetes
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