Sure! Diabetes is a condition where your body has trouble regulating blood sugar (glucose). Symptoms can vary depending on whether it’s type 1, type 2, or prediabetes, but there are several common signs to watch for.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
1. Increased Thirst & Frequent Urination
- High blood sugar causes kidneys to work harder to remove excess glucose, leading to dehydration.
- Feeling very thirsty and needing to urinate often, especially at night.
2. Extreme Hunger
- The body’s cells aren’t getting enough glucose for energy, leading to increased appetite.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
- Common in type 1 diabetes, sometimes type 2.
- Body breaks down fat and muscle for energy because cells can’t access glucose.
4. Fatigue
- Lack of glucose in cells = low energy, feeling unusually tired or weak.
5. Blurred Vision
- High blood sugar can cause fluid shifts in the eyes, affecting the lens shape and vision.
6. Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections
- High glucose can impair immune function, causing cuts or infections to heal slowly.
- Frequent yeast infections are common in both men and women.
7. Tingling or Numbness
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) may cause tingling, pain, or numbness in hands or feet.
8. Dry Mouth or Skin
- Dehydration from frequent urination can cause dryness, and poor circulation may affect skin health.
9. Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
- Often seen in type 2 diabetes, typically in neck, armpits, or groin.
10. Fruity Breath (Type 1 Diabetes)
- A sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous complication of uncontrolled type 1 diabetes.
⚠️ When to See a Doctor
- Experiencing several of these symptoms persistently.
- Rapid weight loss, extreme thirst, or frequent urination.
- Tingling, numbness, or blurred vision.
Early detection is key — blood tests like fasting glucose, HbA1c, or oral glucose tolerance test can confirm diabetes.
If you want, I can make a clear “quick checklist of diabetes symptoms” that’s easy to remember and spot warning signs early.
Do you want me to do that?
