A type of autoimmune disease, diabetes, is caused due to increased blood sugar levels of the body. This condition affects a lot of individuals as statistics suggest that there are more than 100 million people globally who have diabetes. However, despite being so widespread, diabetes is rarely caught in the initial stages. This article lists eight early warning signs of diabetes and foods to avoid to prevent the development.

• Reduced healing capabilities
  Individuals who have diabetes will also observe a decrease in their body’s healing capacity. This is because high blood sugar can affect the body’s ability to tackle wear and tear. The compromised immune system is unable to treat wounds due to the delayed response.
• Patches on the skin
  Another common sign of diabetes is acanthosis nigricans. This condition leads to dark, patchy skin in the creases of the armpits, neck, and even groin. This skin is usually soft to touch and does not cause itchiness.
• Numbness in the body
  Another early warning sign of diabetes is numbness in different parts of the body. This numbness is usually caused due to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition where the nerves suffer from damage due to prolonged high blood sugar levels in the body.
• Blurry vision
  Being one of the complications of diabetes, individuals who have diabetes will also start having trouble with their vision. A high level of sugar in the body can make it difficult for the lens to contract and relax, leading to unclear and blurry vision.

While these warning signs can help detect diabetes, it is important to exclude the following foods that may increase the risk of suffering from this condition.

• Artificial beverages
  Sugar and other artificial flavors packed in artificial beverages can interfere with insulin production and spike insulin levels. The liquid is absorbed much more easily by the body than solid foods.
• Deep-fried foods
  Deep-fried foods such as fried chicken and French fries can create an insulin and blood sugar imbalance. While the hydrogenated oil in which the foods are fried is packed with “bad” or LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, the fats and starch from chicken and potatoes can accumulate in the arteries.
• Foods made from white flour
  Breads and white pasta are made from refined (white) flour, which is full of carbohydrates and high glycemic value. Carbohydrates can interfere with insulin production and worsen diabetes symptoms.
• Alcohol
  Alcohol can be one of the worst beverages for people with diabetes. While alcohol drops blood sugar levels and causes hypoglycemia, it also interferes with the ability of the liver to produce insulin, which can be counterproductive in managing diabetes. Additionally, alcohol may interfere with diabetes medications, thereby worsening its symptoms.