4 Hand Symptoms That May Signal High Blo.od Sugar – Often Overlooked by Young People

Diabetes is a rapidly progressing endocrine disorder that can lead to severe complications. Due to lifestyle and dietary habits, the disease is now affecting younger individuals at an alarming rate.

 

 

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes is classified into four types: Type 1, Type 2, secondary diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Among young individuals (under 30), Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common, with a small percentage developing gestational diabetes.

While common symptoms like fatigue, excessive hunger, weight loss, dry mouth, and frequent urination are well known, early-stage diabetes can also present subtle warning signs on the hands. If you notice any of the following four symptoms, it's advisable to check your blood sugar levels or seek medical advice before it’s too late.

1. Persistent Hand Itching

High blood sugar reduces sweat gland function, leading to dry, itchy skin, especially on the back of the hands and forearms.

Additionally, weakened immunity in diabetics makes the skin more prone to fungal or bacterial infections, causing inflammation and persistent itching. In severe cases, the itching may spread across the entire body, becoming a chronic issue that scratching cannot relieve.

2. Numbness in Fingers

It's important to differentiate between temporary numbness and numbness caused by high blood sugar complications.

• If numbness occurs due to prolonged pressure (e.g., staying in one position for too long), it typically improves with movement.
• However, if numbness occurs frequently without a clear cause and does not improve with movement, it may be an early sign of diabetes.

Chronic high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves in the hands, leading to numbness. As the condition worsens, poor circulation and oxygen supply can cause tingling, loss of sensation, and even temporary paralysis in the fingers and hands.

3. Slow-Healing Wounds

Typically, minor skin wounds (excluding bone or joint injuries) heal within one to two weeks. Cuts on the hands tend to heal even faster due to frequent movement.

However, if a hand wound remains unhealed after two weeks, it's a warning sign that you should check your blood sugar levels. Persistent high blood sugar slows blood circulation, weakens platelet function, and delays wound healing, increasing the risk of infection.

4. Red, Swollen Hands

Cold weather, allergies, or external irritants can cause temporary hand swelling and redness. However, if your hands are consistently swollen and red for no apparent reason, it may indicate poor blood circulation due to high blood sugar.

Because the hands are at the periphery of the circulatory system, they are more prone to blood pooling, leading to swelling, redness, and even pain.

How to Prevent Diabetes?

Experts recommend that young people adopt a healthier diet, reduce sedentary behavior, and engage in regular physical activity to lower the risk of diabetes.

Additionally, regular blood sugar checks and routine medical examinations are crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.