Here’s a clear and detailed list of common signs and symptoms of diabetes. These are important to recognize early for diagnosis and management:
Common Signs of Diabetes
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- High blood sugar causes the kidneys to filter more glucose, resulting in more urine.
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Fluid loss from frequent urination triggers intense thirst.
- Increased hunger (polyphagia)
- Despite eating, the body’s cells aren’t getting enough glucose for energy.
- Unexplained weight loss
- More common in type 1 diabetes; the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy.
- Fatigue
- Lack of usable glucose for energy leads to constant tiredness.
- Blurred vision
- High blood sugar can cause fluid changes in the eyes, affecting vision.
- Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
- High glucose impairs immune response, making cuts, sores, or infections last longer.
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (neuropathy)
- Long-term high blood sugar can damage nerves.
- Dry skin and itching
- Often due to dehydration or poor circulation.
- Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
- Usually around the neck, armpits, or groin, often associated with insulin resistance.
⚠️ Notes
- Type 1 diabetes: Usually rapid onset, often in children or young adults.
- Type 2 diabetes: Gradual onset, often subtle; more common in adults but increasingly seen in younger people.
- Gestational diabetes: Usually has no obvious symptoms; detected through screening during pregnancy.
If you want, I can also make a quick “early warning signs checklist for diabetes” that’s easy to memorize and spot.
Do you want me to do that?
