The unusual signs your body gives before diabetes strikes—and how to intervene

Unusual symptoms like dark skin patches, skin tags, and ‘fatty’ necks could be early warning signs of type two diabetes, according to health expert Dr. Marla Jirak. The American health coach shared these often overlooked signs on Tiktok, hoping to raise awareness and potentially save lives by encouraging early intervention and changes to diet and lifestyle.

Dr. Jirak explains that while most people are aware of a larger-than-average waistline as a diabetes symptom, there are numerous other changes to the body that can occur. One lesser-known sign is the appearance of dark patches on the skin. These patches often appear suddenly on the neck or under the arms, looking ultra-tanned and having a slightly different texture. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), these patches can also occur where the skin folds, including the groin, arms, and knees.

@dr.marla #type2diabetes #fiber #bellyfat ♬ original sound – Dr. Marla-Health Coach

Another sign is the presence of skin tags, particularly around the neck or eyelids. Identifiable by their ‘stalks’, these little raised bumps are usually the same color as your skin and can indicate potential diabetes.

In addition to these signs, Jirak also points to an unusually large waistline as a red flag. For men, a waistline more than 101cm is concerning, while for women, a measurement over 89cm could indicate a higher risk.

Surprisingly, puffy feet should not be brushed off either. This symptom indicates water retention, potentially signaling poor circulation and uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Jirak also raises an interesting point about ‘fat necks’, often associated with discomfort when sleeping. These ‘insulin necks’ have a circumference of more than 37cm for men and 34cm for women. They aren’t just fatty; you can spot an insulin neck by its obvious roll with deep lines and furrows at the nape.

Sleep apnea and ‘flabby’ arms or a hump on the back of the neck are further signs of potential diabetes risk. High blood glucose from a sugary diet can decrease testosterone levels, causing muscle loss that results in flabbier-than-usual arms.

Finally, if your stomach feels hard and dense to touch, this may indicate your body is in ‘fat storage mode’ and experiencing insulin resistance.

Dr. Jirak, who has studied health extensively, believes many of these symptoms can be attributed to high blood sugar. She warns that our bloodstream should only ever have one teaspoon of sugar in it at a time, but modern foods often cause us to exceed this.

The good news is that many of the issues can be mitigated by tweaking your diet, increasing fiber, and decreasing sugar-rich foods. However, Dr. Jirak strongly advises consulting a doctor and getting regular testing if anything seems amiss.

The rise of type two diabetes is a global health concern, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a figure that has nearly doubled in the past three decades. Dr. Jirak’s focus on early signs is a critical part of tackling this issue. By raising awareness of these lesser-known symptoms, she aims to prompt early intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing full-blown diabetes.

This advocacy for preventive health measures aligns with a broader shift in the healthcare industry towards proactive rather than reactive care. Instead of treating diseases after they manifest, there’s a growing emphasis on early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent diseases from developing in the first place.

The symptoms highlighted by Dr. Jirak may seem unrelated to diabetes at first glance, but they are all connected by a common thread: insulin resistance. This is where the body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It’s a key factor in the development of type two diabetes and is often accompanied by high blood sugar levels.

Dr. Jirak’s focus on diet as a tool to combat high blood sugar is not surprising. Numerous studies have shown the role of diet in managing blood sugar levels and overall health. The modern diet, often high in processed foods and sugars, is frequently blamed for rising obesity and diabetes rates.

While her advice is valuable, it’s crucial to remember that each body is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always best to consult with health professionals before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.