YOUR skin and hair are known to be good indicators of your general health.
But did you know your hands can also let you let you know if you have a killer condition?
Millions of people in the UK are currently living with diabetes.
It's estimated that 90 per cent of those who suffer have type 2 – with many not even knowing they have the illness.
This is because the symptoms often don't make you feel unwell.
In 2019, there were almost 14 thousand diabetes related deaths in theUK.
Read more on diabetes
How looking after your gut cuts the risk of illnesses like cancer & diabetes
The 5 key factors that determine if YOU will develop deadly type 2 diabetes
Experts say there are a some signs to look out for in your hands and that you should be paying special attention to your fingernails.
1. Locked fingers
A recent study found that people with both type 1 and type 2 are more likely to experience locked fingers, also known as trigger finger.
Trigger finger happens when one or more fingers – often the ring finger or thumb – ends up in a bent position that is hard to straighten out.
Most read in Health
My son has been refused an operation on NHS for life-threatening condition
Military hack promises to get you to sleep in two minutes & the US army use it
Covid expert gives his early predictions for Xmas amid 'swarm of Omicron strains'
I thought my husband was cheating when midwife told me my baby had an STI
The painful condition that can often be treated with cortisone injections, but sometimes requires surgery
Experts at Lund University found that the risk of being affected increases in the case of high blood sugar.
2. Redness around the nails
A previous study found that people who have diabetes suffer issues with circulation.
This means that you could notice redness around the nails.
You should also keep an eye on your cuticles and how snug the nail is inside the nail bed.
3. Nail indentations
You might also suffer with Beau's line, this can be visible in many people with chronic illnesses, including diabetes.
While you might be focused on your finger nails, it's also important that diabetics pay attention to their toenails.
4. Yellow nails
People with diabetes are more likely to experience a fungal infection know as onychomycosis.
If you have this condition then it's likely that your nails will turn yellow and become brittle.
The NHS says that there are seven symptoms that you are likely to experience if you are type 2.
One of these is peeing more than usual and the NHS says that this will happen more at night time.
This happens when there is too much sugar in your blood as the kidneys work harder to get rid of it which in turn forces your body to make more urine.
Another symptom is feeling thirsty all the time and this is because you are urinating more which leads to dehydration.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
All types of diabetes cause blood glucose levels to be higher than normal, but the two different types do this in different ways.
The distinction lies in what is causing the lack of insulin – often described as the key, that allows glucose to unlock the door to the cells.
With type 1 diabetes, a person’s pancreas produces no insulin, but in type 2 cells in the body become resistant to insulin, so a greater amount of insulin is needed to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range.
However, doctors now think diabetes could be as many as five different diseases – and say that treatment should be tailored for the different form
Feeling tired all the time is another symptom and this could be due to low blood sugar levels.
The NHS says losing weight without trying, itching down below, cuts and wounds that take longer to heal and blurred vision are all key symptoms.
There are some things that put you at greater risk of diabetes and these include being over the age of 40, if you are overweight or obese and if you are of Asian, African-Caribbean or black African origin.
Read More on The Sun
I’m skinny-shamed for my no-cup boobs… but trolls won’t stop me wearing sexy tops
Ulrika Jonsson wows fans with sexy late night bed selfie
If you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes then you should see your GP.
Early diagnosis is key when it comes to type 2 diabetes as this could reduce your risk of other health issues such as heart disease, kidney problems and sexual issues.
Source: Read Full Article