The warning signs of type 2 diabetes in your HANDS – and other red flags to watch for

CLOSE to 4.9 million people in the UK are currently living with diabetes – with around 90 per cent of those people suffering with type 2.

Many people have the illness without realising it as some of the symptoms don’t usually make you unwell.

Experts say you should pay close attention to your hands as they could help you spot type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body are unable to produce enough insulin – it can also be triggered when the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly

It might seem like a strange place to have symptoms, but your hands could actually be a key indicator in diagnosing type 2 diabetes.

Experts say there are a few signs to look out for in your hands and that you should be paying special attention to your fingernails.

One expert said that any illnesses can present themselves through your finger nails.

Elizabeth Salada, from Diabetes UK, said: “A slight blush at the bottom of the nail can be a symptom of diabetes.”

“You always want to be aware of any changes of shape in the nail, thickness, consistency looking at the surface, the colour of the nail, whether the nail is separated from the nail bed.”

While you might be focused on your finger nails, it’s also important that diabetics pay attention to their toenails.

This is because 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.

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.

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.