Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose, a type of sugar found in most foods. If left untreated, this condition can lead to a range of complications, including nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems.

While many people with type 2 diabetes experience symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, and fatigue, some may also notice changes in their hands. Here are 10 symptoms of type 2 diabetes that can show up in the hands:.

1. Numbness or tingling

One of the early signs of type 2 diabetes is nerve damage, which can cause numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy, and it can be caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the small blood vessels that feed your nerves. If you notice numbness or tingling in your hands, especially at night or after a period of inactivity, you should talk to your doctor.

2. Itching or dry skin

Diabetes can cause dry skin or persistent itching, which can be particularly noticeable on the hands. This can be caused by changes in blood sugar levels or nerve damage, which can affect the sweat glands and cause skin dehydration.

If you experience dry, itchy skin on your hands or other parts of your body, you may need to adjust your diabetes treatment plan or use moisturizing creams to alleviate the symptoms.

3. Slow wound healing

People with type 2 diabetes often have poor circulation, which can make it difficult for wounds on the hands or feet to heal.

This can be due to nerve damage or blood vessel damage, which can slow down the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the affected areas. If you notice that cuts or wounds on your hands are taking a long time to heal, you should take action to improve your blood sugar control and circulation.

Your doctor may recommend taking medication or using compression garments to help increase blood flow.

4. Swelling or inflammation

Inflammation is a common sign of diabetes, and it can show up in the form of swollen hands or fingers. This can be caused by high blood sugar levels that lead to water retention, or it may be a sign of an underlying infection or injury.

If you notice that your hands or fingers are swollen or red, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

5. Joint pain or stiffness

Some people with type 2 diabetes may experience joint pain or stiffness, especially in the hands. This can be caused by a condition known as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, which results from changes in collagen and other proteins in the skin and joints.

Over time, this can lead to limited mobility and difficulty with everyday activities like opening jars or typing on a keyboard. If you notice joint pain or stiffness in your hands, you may need to work with a physical therapist or occupational therapist to develop a plan for managing your symptoms.

6. Trigger finger

Trigger finger is a condition that causes the fingers to lock or catch when they are bent or extended. This can be caused by chronic inflammation or abnormal growths in the tendons that control finger movement.

While trigger finger is not directly caused by diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to develop this condition than the general population. If you notice that your finger is stiff or catching when you move it, you should talk to your doctor about possible treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.

7. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and fingers, as well as weakness or loss of grip strength.

While carpal tunnel syndrome is not necessarily caused by diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to develop this condition due to nerve damage or compression. If you suspect that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should seek medical attention promptly to prevent long-term damage to your nerves and hand function.

8. Dupuytren’s contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes thickening and tightening of the connective tissue in the palms of the hands. This can result in a contracture or deformity of the fingers, making it difficult to pick up objects or use tools.

While the exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is not fully understood, researchers believe that it is linked to factors such as diabetes, smoking, and genetics. If you notice that your hands are becoming less flexible or that your fingers are curving inward, you may need to seek medical attention to prevent further complications.

9. Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be a common symptom of diabetes. This can be particularly noticeable on the palms of the hands, which contain a high concentration of sweat glands.

If you notice that your hands are constantly damp or that you are experiencing excessive sweating, you should talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.

10. Cold hands or feet

People with type 2 diabetes may experience changes in blood flow and circulation, which can lead to cold hands or feet.

This can be caused by nerve damage or blood vessel damage, which can affect the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the affected areas. If you notice that your hands or feet are always cold, even in warm environments, you may need to work with your doctor to improve your blood sugar control and circulation.