Diabetes — a disease in which the body struggles to produce or use insulin properly — has several well-understood symptoms, including fatigue and unexplained weight loss. However, signs of this condition can vary widely. Awareness of lesser-known side effects can aid in diagnosing and treating diabetes effectively. Report the following symptoms to your family doctor if you notice them.

A Guide to Diabetes Symptoms

1. Fruity-Smelling Breath

A surprising symptom of diabetes is breath that smells like fruit. This typically arises from a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis, which occurs when the body can’t get the energy it needs from glucose. 

Instead, it burns fat, leading to a buildup of acids called ketones in the bloodstream and causing breath to have a fruit-like scent. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a sign of severe diabetes, and people who experience it should seek medical help immediately.

2. Dark, Velvety Skin

Darkened patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture on the neck, groin, and armpits, called acanthosis nigricans, may indicate diabetes. This symptom develops when higher than normal levels of insulin spur the reproduction of skin cells. While medicated topical creams can treat the appearance and texture of the affected skin, adopting a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber is a more effective long-term solution.

3. Slow-Healing Wounds

If left untreated for too long, diabetes-induced high blood pressure can damage the body’s ability to form blood clots and heal sores, cuts, and scabs. People with diabetes are twice as likely to experience a narrowing of blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to the limbs and making it harder for both red blood cells to close wounds and white blood cells to fight off infections. If you notice small cuts or scabs that take several weeks to heal or don’t heal at all, consult your family doctor to determine if diabetes is the root cause.

If you’ve noticed these or other signs of diabetes, contact Tug River Health Association in Welch, WV, for reliable diagnosis and treatment advice. Since 1976, the compassionate family doctors at this nonprofit health clinic have provided diabetes treatment to patients throughout McDowell and Wyoming counties. Call (304) 448-2101 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about how they can help.