There are 5 tell-tale indicators of diabetes according to an expert, ranging from skin abnormalities to poor healing.

Many people are unaware they have diabetes since the first signs might be modest, according to an expert.

Diabetic symptoms include dark skin patches, slow-healing wounds, and frequent toilet trips.

A breath that smells like acetone could indicate a life-threatening diabetic condition.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 10% of the US population has diabetes, with one out of every five people unaware of their condition.

According to Dr. Nuha El Sayed, vice president of healthcare improvement for the American Diabetes Association, prediabetes can arise without symptoms, making it difficult to detect without bloodwork or until it progresses to type 2 diabetes.

"It can take years for it to mature. People stroll about a lot of the time and have no idea what they're doing "Insider was told by her.

However, there are several telltale signs that might help you figure out if you have diabetes. Changes in your skin, weight, and bathroom habits could all indicate an issue with blood sugar regulation, according to El Sayed. While no single symptom certainly indicates diabetes, having several should prompt a visit to the doctor.

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The appearance of darker spots on the skin could be a symptom of diabetes.

According to El Sayed, changes in skin tone and texture, which often appear at joint creases such as the nape of the neck or under the arms, are a less commonly mentioned sign of diabetes.

High levels of insulin can cause the patches to activate, causing skin cells to proliferate more quickly. The discoloration is technically termed as "acanthosis nigricans," and it can affect persons of any skin tone.

"It may be easier to see in persons with fair complexion, but it may still be seen in people with darker skin when compared to the surrounding area," El Sayed explained.

The skin's texture may also change, thickening or having a velvety sensation.

High blood sugar might result in slow-healing wounds or frequent infections.

If minor injuries like scratches and bruises don't heal, you could have diabetes-related elevated blood sugar, according to El Sayed.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can impair circulation and make it difficult for the body to repair. As a result, injuries may take longer to heal, and open wounds may be more susceptible to infection.

Other illnesses, such as yeast infections or skin infections, may make you more susceptible.

Having to pee more often, or more urgently, is a red flag

More frequent urination is another basic sign of diabetes.

According to El Sayed, "frequent" can mean as many as 20 trips to the bathroom in a day for some people, but it can also mean something much more subtle.

"If you're used to going 2 or 3 times a day and suddenly find yourself going 8 times a day, that could be an issue," she explained.

Another red flag is an increased sense of urgency or an inability to get to the bathroom in a timely manner.

"It's not healthy if you find yourself limiting the amount of water you consume," El Sayed remarked.

Sudden, unexplained weight loss is the reason for testing

Another sign that your body isn't able to control blood sugar or insulin is rapid weight loss.

Weight loss could be caused by a variety of factors other than diabetes, but when combined with other symptoms, it's an excellent reason to get checked, according to El Sayed.

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If your breath smells like nail paint remover, you should seek medical help immediately.

Many common diabetes symptoms warrant a doctor's visit, but in other circumstances, more immediate medical attention is required.

The smell of acetone or nail polish remover on someone's breath could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening illness. El Sayed advises that if you notice a distinct odor, shortness of breath, or changes in your mental condition such as confusion or forgetfulness, you should seek medical care right once.