The Hidden Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many South Africans live with high blood sugar for months, sometimes even years, without realising it. Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly, and the early warning signs can be so subtle that people mistake them for stress, age, being “run down,” or simply part of a busy lifestyle.
Unfortunately, this delay in recognising the symptoms means high blood sugar can silently damage the body long before a person is officially diagnosed. At Ringpharm, we believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your health. Understanding diabetes, the risks it carries and the rise in confirmed cases in South Africa is key to protecting you and your loved ones.
What to look out for
High blood sugar often shows up in small, everyday ways long before a diagnosis is made. If you know what to look for, you can catch these changes early and protect your long-term health. Here are the key signs to pay attention to:
Constant Thirst, Even When You’re Drinking Enough: If you notice you’re carrying your water bottle everywhere, refilling it more than usual, or waking up at night desperate for a sip, it may be your body’s way of trying to flush out excess sugar. Many people realise something is off when they drink two glasses of water before bed yet still wake up thirsty at 2am. If this constant thirst continues for a few days, it’s worth checking your glucose levels.
Feeling Tired… All the Time: There’s normal tiredness after a long day, and then there’s the kind of exhaustion that lingers even after a full night’s sleep. High blood sugar prevents your cells from using glucose properly, leaving your body low on energy even when you haven’t been very active. If you often sit down for a quick break and suddenly feel like you could nap for the rest of the afternoon, it may be a sign of persistently high blood sugar. When fatigue becomes part of your daily routine, don’t ignore it.
Blurry Vision That Comes and Goes: When blood sugar rises, it causes temporary swelling in the lens of the eye, which leads to moments of blurry or distorted vision. You may notice that one day you can read your WhatsApp messages clearly, while the next day the text looks fuzzy for no obvious reason. This isn’t always a permanent eye issue, but it is an important red flag that your blood sugar may be fluctuating.
Frequent Toilet Trips: Going to the bathroom more often than usual, especially at night, can be a sign that your body is trying to get rid of excess glucose through urine. People often notice a change when they previously slept through the night but are now waking up twice to use the bathroom. If this pattern continues, it’s a sign that something is disrupting your body’s normal balance.
Tingling or Numbness in Your Feet: Nerves are very sensitive to high glucose, and prolonged high blood sugar can lead to tingling, burning, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the feet. Many people describe it as their feet “buzzing” when they sit still or going numb faster than before. This is an important warning sign of nerve irritation and should not be ignored.
Unexpected Weight Loss or Weight Gain: Not everyone with high blood sugar gains weight. In fact some actually lose it rapidly without trying. You may notice your clothes feeling looser even though your eating habits haven’t changed. This happens when the body can’t properly use glucose for energy and starts breaking down fat and muscle instead. Any sudden, unexplained change in weight is worth investigating.
Slow-Healing Cuts & More Infections: High blood sugar weakens the immune system and slows down the body’s natural healing process. You might see this when a small scratch from the garden or a shaving nick takes unusually long to heal. Women may also notice an increase in yeast infections or general discomfort. If infections keep returning or wounds take longer to close, speak to a health professional as soon as possible.
Acting fast is vital
Seeking medical help when you notice these symptoms is crucial because high blood sugar can cause serious damage long before you feel truly unwell. Early testing allows healthcare professionals to diagnose the problem, start treatment, and prevent complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and circulation.
The sooner you act, the easier it is to manage your blood sugar, protect your long-term health, and avoid emergencies that could have been prevented with early care.
Managing high blood sugar starts with awareness. With diabetes on the sharp rise in South Africa, this is a reality we are facing as a nation. By recognising the signs early and taking action, you can protect your health, prevent complications, and maintain a better quality of life. Remember, small changes and timely intervention can make a big difference.
At Ringpharm, we are committed to your health every step of the way. From providing medication and testing to offering friendly, professional advice, your Ringpharm pharmacist is here to guide you. Don’t wait – speak to your local Ringpharm pharmacist today and take control of your wellbeing.