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Diabetes is a severe and typically lifelong ailment that leads to dangerously elevated blood sugar levels. There are two forms of diabetes - type 1 and type 2, with type 2 being significantly more prevalent, representing approximately 90 per cent of all cases. It's frequently triggered by elements including excess weight, lack of physical activity, or genetic predisposition to the illness, whilst the exact cause of type 1 remains unclear. As with any health issue, the earlier you recognise diabetes symptoms, the quicker you can get appropriate medical treatment . With this in consideration, a medical professional discussed with Express.co.uk the warning indicators of diabetes to watch for, reports the Express . GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Doctor Neel Patel, explained: "Diabetes sometimes goes undetected as some of the symptoms go unnoticed. "However, it's best to identify diabetes earlier so that you can avoid later complications or potentially avoid developing diabetes altogether." He highlighted one less recognised indicator of type 2 diabetes to be aware of - genital itching or thrush. According to Diabetes.co.uk, this occurs due to excessively high blood sugar concentrations. The website states: "Genital itching and burning can indicate a female or male yeast infection. Regular yeast infections are a sign of type 2 diabetes. "In diabetes, blood glucose levels can go abnormally high, which can therefore provide ideal conditions for naturally present yeast to grow and also diminishes the body's ability to fight infection. "Diabetes can also cause a higher glucose content in the urine - another extremely suitable place for yeast to thrive." This could easily be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can cause itching in that area. But if felt alongside other diabetes symptoms it could be likely you are affected. Dr Patel shared other symptoms to be aware of: Dr Patel revealed who is most at risk of diabetes. "Generally, people who are overweight or obese are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes," he said. "Specifically, people with an unhealthy waistline measurement and those who store too much fat around their pancreas and liver can be at high risk. Certain ethnicities also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. "People from black African, African Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds are generally at a higher risk. Diabetes can be very dangerous if it goes untreated. Most complications build up over time but others can present at any point." If you spot any warning signs of diabetes you should contact your GP.
