Recently, a 44-year-old woman in China burst into tears after receiving a diabetes diagnosis during her routine health check-up. Previously, she thought she simply had dry skin, as her hands and feet were often dry and itchy like “sandpaper,” to the point where she scratched them until they were wounded. “I regret not paying attention to those signs sooner,” she shared emotionally.

Experts say this is a widespread issue. Many people only discover they have diabetes when the disease has already progressed to the complication stage. Dr. Tran Minh Tuan (clinical endocrinology specialist at the National Hospital of Endocrinology) said: “Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops silently. Its early symptoms are easy to overlook or mistake for common conditions such as dermatitis, cold weather, or allergies.”

Small signs you shouldn't ignore because they may signal diabetes

Symptoms such as dry skin, itchy hands and feet, slow-healing wounds, cold or bluish fingertips are common in the early stages of diabetes. However, many people assume these issues are just weather reactions or dehydration. In reality, prolonged high blood sugar damages peripheral nerves and small blood vessels—the main cause of these symptoms.

Excess glucose in the blood reduces circulation and strips moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, cracking, and itching. At the same time, high blood sugar weakens the immune system and damages blood vessels, greatly reducing the body’s ability to heal—causing even minor wounds to linger or become infected. These are potential risk factors for serious complications, including necrosis or even limb amputation if not detected and treated promptly.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the rate of diabetes continues to rise steadily, and alarmingly, about half of people with the disease do not know they have it. To prevent diabetes from progressing or developing in the first place, experts recommend starting with lifestyle adjustments:

Healthy diet

Limit refined sugar, processed foods, and items with a high glycemic index. Prioritize vegetables, low-sugar fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diabetic patients should especially avoid sugary drinks, sweets, and refined starches.

Regular exercise

Engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or yoga. Physical activity not only helps control blood sugar but also improves circulation, enhances skin health, and slows disease progression.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Proper weight loss reduces pressure on the pancreas and improves insulin sensitivity.

Regular blood sugar monitoring

Especially when symptoms appear such as dry, itchy hands and feet, cold or bluish fingertips, or slow-healing wounds. Early testing allows timely intervention and helps prevent complications.

From the story of the 44-year-old woman, the takeaway is clear: Never ignore small changes in your body. Diabetes can be controlled if detected early and treated correctly. Being proactive in your health—through diet, exercise, and routine check-ups—is the most effective “shield” against the severe complications of this chronic disease.