The rate of diabetes is rising sharply as some experts argue early signs and symptoms of diabetes should be outlined very clearly, according to the Express.
Diabetes, a lifelong condition wherein a person's blood sugar is too high, can be difficult to identify.
Type 2 diabetes, which is much more common than Type 1, often goes undiagnosed. The NHS reports that around 90% of all adults with diabetes in the UK have type 2 diabetes.
The condition affects different organs and it can show up as signs in people's skin, hair and nails.
Diabetes can cause bad circulation, for instance, and poor circulation can lead to a loss of feeling in the feet or a change in how nails look.
Researchers have discovered further changes that may occur in the colour and texture of the nail, as a result of long-standing glycaemic.
In a study published in the Journal Dermatologic Therapy, researchers wrote: "Over time many diabetics develop nails that are yellow, thickened, and sometimes fragile, ridged and brittle.
"There is definite overlap with some of the physical attributes seen in diabetic nails and those seen with ageing.
"It is unclear whether diabetes exacerbates nail changes associated with ageing and vice versa."
Researchers also found that people with diabetes are prone to nail infections, as nerve damage and glycemia increase the risk of infection.
Elizabeth Salada, from Diabetes UK, explains that nails are an often overlooked window into your health.
She explained: "Lots of common diseases can present themselves through the appearance of your nails, and a slight blush at the bottom of the nail can be a symptom of diabetes."
"You always want to be aware of any changes of shape in the nail, thickness, consistency looking at the surface, the colour of the nail, whether the nail is separated from the nail bed."
