Diabetes type 2 symptoms: Itchy genitals are a sign of the condition

This Morning: Type 2 diabetes can be ‘devastating’ says expert

The life-long health condition develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin. This is greatly linked to obesity and inactivity. Are you affected? Many people don’t seek support for their diabetes as the symptoms don’t generally make you feel unwell. However, the damage being inside of the body is real and dangerous, so early diagnosis is crucial to prevent life-threatening conditions.

The NHS said “itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush” is an example of a type 2 diabetes symptom.

What’s thrush?

Thrush is a yeast infection, said the national health body, that affects men and women.

Thrush in men

Thrush in men can cause irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin.

There my be a white discharge (akin to cottage cheese) and an unpleasant smell.

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

A man with thrush might find it difficult to pull back their foreskin when they have thrush.

Thrush in women

For women who have thrush, they may experience itching and irritation around the vagina.

There might be vaginal discharge (akin to cottage cheese) which doesn’t usually smell.

There may also be soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee.

Both sexes may get thrush in the armpits, groin or between the fingers, which causes a red, itchy or painful rash.

If you have thrush more than four times in 12 months then you need to speak to your GP – it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes.

Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying to
• Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
• Blurred vision

The charity Diabetes UK explained what makes you more at risk of type 2 diabetes.

This includes having a family history of the condition, having high blood pressure and/or carrying extra weight.

In order to minimise your risk of the condition it’s important to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and lose weight if you need to.

A healthy diet

Diabetes UK recommends cutting down (or abstaining) from full-sugar fizzy and energy drinks.

Instead opt for water, plain milk, or unsweetened tea or coffee, meaning you don’t add sugar to it.

As for eating carbs (i.e. carbohydrates) choose wholegrain bread, rice, pasta and flour.

Healthy carbs include fruits, vegetables, pulses – such as chickpeas, beans and lentils – and unsweetened milk or yoghurt.

It’s also important to “cut down on red and processed meat” such as:

• Bacon
• Ham
• Sausages
• Pork
• Beef
• Lamb

Instead get protein form beans, lentils, eggs, fish, chicken, turkey and unsalted nuts.

Source: Read Full Article