Across the UK nearly four million people currently have a diabetes diagnosis. According to researchers, it is estimated a further 500,000 people have diabetes but do not know it.
Figures from the Diabetes and Wellness Foundation show nine in every 10 people with diabetes have type 2. In many cases, it can be prevented.
According to the NHS, serious health problems can come from Type 2 diabetes, such as heart disease or stroke.
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As reported by the Liverpool Echo, a cause of diabetes can be high blood sugar. Having high blood sugar for long periods can result in permanent damage to parts of the body.
Some common symptoms also can appear on the skin, such as dry and cracked skin, along with more specific issues.
Those who have the disease can also experience yellow, reddish or brown patches on the skin, according to Diabetes.co.uk. This is called Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD), which affects the shins and occurs gradually.
The skin in this area can get thin and ulcerate. NLD can leave a brownish scar when it heals.
What causes NLD is unknown, but it affects more people with type 1 diabetes. Diabetic Dermopathy is another skin issue that can be known as shin spots. The condition leaves round, raised lesions that can turn into ulcers.
Bullosis Diabeticorum are small-large nodules underneath the skin, similar to subcutaneous blisters. Again, the cause is unknown.
NHS guidance suggests you should see a GP if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes, which are:
- feeling very thirsty
- peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- feeling very tired
- weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- blurred vision
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