Quick answer
In Mexico, 1 in 2 people with diabetes don't know they have it, because at first it doesn't hurt or cause a fever. Signs like dark patches on the neck, frequent nighttime urination, slow-healing wounds, tingling in hands or feet, and unexplained fatigue can point to high blood sugar. A simple blood test detects it. At AVA Médica you can get checked with no appointment.
Type 2 diabetes has one feature that makes it dangerous: at first, it doesn't hurt. No fever, no discomfort, so it can progress for years without being noticed. In Mexico, 18.4% of adults live with diabetes, and about half of them don't know it.
The good news is that the body does send signals, subtle ones worth recognizing early.
Why diabetes is silent
High blood sugar slowly damages blood vessels and nerves. Because it doesn't cause sharp pain, the first symptoms are easy to blame on tiredness, age, or stress. That's why many people are diagnosed years after it began.
5 signs worth paying attention to
- Dark patches on the neck or armpits (skin looks "dirty" even when clean).
- Needing to urinate often, especially at night.
- Cuts or scrapes that take longer than usual to heal.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
- Extreme fatigue for no clear reason, and constant thirst even when you drink water.
No single sign confirms diabetes on its own, but if several sound familiar, it's a good time to get checked.
How it's detected
Checking your blood sugar is simple: a quick blood test is enough. Catching diabetes early changes everything, because it lets you take care of yourself before complications appear.
What you can do today
If any sign sounds like you, don't worry, the important thing is to get checked. At AVA Médica you can have a walk-in visit and, if the doctor recommends it, get your lab work done in the same place, all in a single visit.
This information is general and does not replace a medical consultation. Always consult your doctor for a personalized diagnosis and treatment.