Diabetes symptom awareness spotlights subtle signs and footwear‑related foot risks

Health experts warn that many early signs of diabetes are easily missed. In the United States, nearly half of adults have prediabetes or diabetes, and about 8.7 million are unaware they have the condition, according to the CDC and the American Diabetes Association. Doctors highlight eleven less obvious symptoms—such as frequent urinary tract infections, recurring yeast infections and worsening menopause symptoms—that are especially common in women.

A separate study funded by Diabetes UK found that shoes with excessive toe space can create high pressure under the big toe, a factor linked to the development of foot ulcers in people with diabetic neuropathy. Podiatric surgeon Dr David Gitlin noted that peripheral neuropathy, the leading cause of foot wounds in diabetes, often leaves patients unable to feel damaging pressure. The research underscores the importance of proper footwear to reduce ulcer risk for the millions living with diabetes worldwide.