Diabetes, once primarily associated with the elderly, now also affects younger people, sometimes as young as 30, due to our constantly evolving lifestyles and eating habits. In France, approximately 3.5 million people are affected by this disease. Before it becomes permanent, diabetes sends warning signals. If these signals are detected early, it is possible to reverse the trend.
Sudden and unexplained weight gain
If you’ve always been slim but suddenly gain a lot of weight, it could be a warning sign. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin to provide energy to cells, it reacts by producing more. This overproduction of insulin triggers intense hunger, and if you respond to that hunger by constantly eating, you’ll gain a lot of weight. When you eat and gain weight, your blood sugar levels rise, causing your pancreas to release even more insulin, which can exhaust this organ. When the pancreas becomes overworked, the body loses its ability to effectively regulate blood sugar, and diabetes develops.
Skin
Diabetes also manifests itself through various dermatological problems. If you notice persistent dry skin, incessant itching, or symptoms of diabetic dermopathy characterized by hard, rough skin, especially on the hands and feet, this could be a sign that diabetes is developing. Approximately half of people with diabetes typically have brown or red patches on their arms or legs, which resemble brown scars and become more visible over time. Additionally, other similar skin conditions can develop in skin folds, such as the armpits, neck, and groin, resulting in a darkening of the skin.
