Diabetes often develops without dramatic warning signs. In India, over 100 million adults live with diabetes, and a similar number are prediabetic. The condition can remain undetected for years, quietly leaving subtle clues on the skin, eyes, and nerves that many dismiss as minor issues.
Effects on the Skin
The skin is typically the first area to reveal internal blood sugar imbalances. Prolonged high blood sugar damages blood circulation and impairs the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to recurrent fungal infections, slow-healing wounds, persistent itching, and excessive dryness.
Studies from Indian hospitals indicate that around one in three people with long-term diabetes experience some form of skin complication. A common early warning, especially among younger Indians, is the appearance of dark, velvety patches on the neck or armpits (known as acanthosis nigricans), which can signal insulin resistance and may emerge years before a full diabetes diagnosis.
Effects on the Eyes
Diabetes affects the eyes insidiously, contributing to India having one of the world’s highest rates of diabetes-related vision loss. Approximately 20-25% of people with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy—a condition where high blood sugar harms the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Early stages are painless and symptom-free, so many skip regular check-ups until vision begins to decline noticeably.
Subtle early indicators include frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions or difficulty seeing clearly at night. Ignoring these can lead to severe, irreversible damage over time.
Effects on the Nerves
Nerve damage from diabetes, called diabetic neuropathy, progresses gradually and is frequently underreported. Up to half of all people with diabetes may develop some degree of nerve issues during their lifetime.
Initial symptoms often include tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the feet, particularly at night. As it worsens, loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed injuries, leading to foot ulcers, a major reason for diabetes-related hospital admissions in India.
These complications share a common root: extended periods of elevated blood sugar that silently harm small blood vessels and nerves, often well before classic symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue appear.
The positive aspect is that early intervention can prevent or significantly slow much of this damage. Regular blood sugar monitoring, annual eye examinations, and daily foot inspections are key preventive steps.
As Dr. Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explains, “Managing diabetes isn’t just about controlling blood sugar levels. It’s also about preserving skin health, protecting eyesight, and preventing nerve damage that can impact mobility and independence.”
By recognizing these quiet signals early, individuals can take action to avoid long-term consequences.
