Early symptoms of diabetes in men

Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on March 12, 2025
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Symptoms of diabetes in men in the early stages first require distinguishing by gender. Diabetes can be characterized by "three excesses and one deficiency": excessive drinking, excessive eating, excessive urination, and weight loss, which are typical symptoms. Of course, many patients, such as those in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, may have atypical symptoms such as itchy skin, blurred vision, and foamy urine which appears more foamy. There might also be dental cavities characterized by severe decay, or some men might experience sexual dysfunction. These symptoms may be related to diabetes, and if these symptoms appear, it is important to consider checking blood sugar levels to confirm the presence of diabetes.

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How to test for diabetes?

The examination for diabetes primarily involves assessment based on symptoms and measuring blood glucose levels through a venous sample. Typical clinical symptoms of diabetes include "three more and one less"; where "three more" refers to dry mouth, increased thirst, and frequent urination, and "one less" refers to weight loss. Thus, generally, when these symptoms are observed, there is an awareness of the possibility of diabetes. Subsequently, one should consult a hospital for further tests, which usually include urine testing and venous blood extraction. For diabetic patients, the glucose level in routine urine tests will significantly increase. Another measure is the direct measurement of blood glucose through venous blood. A fasting blood glucose level of ≥7.0 mmol/L, or a two-hour glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L post-OGTT, or a random blood glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L, meeting any one of these conditions, combined with the symptoms of diabetes, can diagnose the disease.

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What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes, also known as pregnancy-induced diabetes, generally refers to a condition diagnosed during pregnancy where varying degrees of high blood sugar levels are detected for the first time. This includes some cases where glucose intolerance or diabetes was undiagnosed before the pregnancy. Most patients see their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but regardless of whether the high blood sugar normalizes post-pregnancy, it is considered gestational diabetes. Currently, the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes include a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. If the fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 5.1 mmol/L, the blood glucose level after one hour is greater than or equal to 10.0 mmol/L, and the blood glucose level after 120 minutes is greater than or equal to 8.5 mmol/L, then gestational diabetes can be diagnosed.

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incidence of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that appears or is diagnosed during pregnancy, or any degree of glucose tolerance abnormality, which is classified as an independent type of diabetes. Diabetes combined with pregnancy or gestational diabetes can pose serious risks to the health of both mother and child. Before national screening of blood sugar levels during pregnancy was initiated, the detection rate of gestational diabetes was not very high, only 0.24%. However, with the widespread implementation of blood sugar screening during pregnancy, the current incidence rate of gestational diabetes is approximately 1% to 5%.

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Symptoms of diabetic foot

Diabetic foot is one of the severe chronic complications of diabetes, generally referred to as the abnormalities in the lower limbs caused by diabetic vascular neuropathy. Diabetic foot with gangrene of the extremity due to concurrent infection is referred to as diabetic foot with gangrene of the extremity, representing a serious stage in the progression of diabetic foot. The main symptoms of diabetic foot include: first, subcutaneous fat atrophy, thinning of the skin, common pigmentation spots on the shin, no hair on the feet and toes, and thickening of the toenails often accompanied by fungal infections; second, atrophy of the extremity muscles, malnutrition, poor muscle tone, and susceptibility to injury in joints and ligaments; third, visible sinking of the finger joints, joint bending, weakening or disappearance of foot deformities, and cool, swollen skin at the extremities; fourth, patients often experience extremity pain, numbness, sensory abnormalities, and dull or absent deep and superficial reflexes. In the initial stages of diabetic foot gangrene, blistering, blood blisters, erosion, and infection can gradually develop into ulcers, gangrene, or necrosis. Clinically, this is manifested as localized redness, swelling, increased skin temperature, pain, functional impairment, and the presence of purulent secretions, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor.

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Diabetic foot prevention care

First of all, it's important to keep blood sugar under control. It's recommended that people with diabetes check their glycated hemoglobin every three months to see if their blood sugar levels meet the standards. Second, many patients suffer from diabetic foot due to severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Injuries such as stepping on a nail or accidental bumps may lead to infections. Therefore, it's suggested that patients with diabetes check their feet daily for any small wounds or ulcers, and if found, they should seek timely treatment from an endocrinology specialist. Third, using warm water for foot baths and treatments like local infrared lamp therapy are advised. It's important to ensure that the temperature is not too high, generally around 40 degrees Celsius, to avoid burning the skin.