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Diabetes is a common condition that affects around four million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. The condition may be caused by the pancreas not

producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. Without enough insulin, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy. You could be at

risk of diabetes if you develop skin that “looks and feels weird”, it’s been claimed. Itchy skin could be caused by diabetes, warned dietitian Amy Gorin. The “strange” feeling may be caused

by dehydration, which may be instigated by diabetes, she said. “You might also notice darkening in the body’s folds and creases, such as the armpits, groin, and neck,” said the dietitian,

writing on medical website Everyday Health. “These velvety patches are caused by insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. “Extra insulin circulating in the body may

trigger skin cells to rapidly reproduce, and the new cells have more melanin [or pigment], resulting in a patch of skin that's darker than the skin surrounding it.” You could also be at

risk of high blood sugar if you have erectile dysfunction, added the dietitian. Erectile dysfunction, as well as other sexual issues, including vaginal dryness, may be caused by damage to

blood vessels from high blood sugar. Diabetes could also lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, which is known as hypoglycaemia. Low blood sugar levels at night can lead to excessive

sweating, and even vivid dreams. Meanwhile, you also shouldn’t ignore cuts or wounds that take longer to heal than normal, said Gorin. “A slow-to-heal cut or bug bite can be a red flag

signalling diabetes,” she said. “Hyperglycaemia, which is high blood sugar, decreases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to wounds through the bloodstream, slowing the healing

process and lowering the immune system.” Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the signs and symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell. Common diabetes

symptoms include feeling very tired, having an unquenchable thirst, and passing nice rube than normal. You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the warning signs or symptoms of

diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk. Diagnosing the condition early is very important, because patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and

strokes. But you could lower your chances of developing the condition by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and by doing regular exercise.