Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes

 Diabetes symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience noticeable symptoms, while others—especially those with type 2 diabetes—may have few or no symptoms for years.

Recognizing possible warning signs and discussing them with a healthcare provider can help with earlier testing and diagnosis.

Feeling unusually thirsty, even when you are drinking plenty of fluids, can be a symptom of high blood sugar.

High blood sugar can cause the kidneys to remove excess glucose through the urine, which may cause you to urinate more frequently.

Some people with diabetes may feel unusually hungry because glucose is not being used normally by the body's cells for energy.

Feeling unusually tired or weak can occur when the body is not able to use glucose effectively for energy.

High blood sugar can cause changes that affect your vision. New or persistent vision changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Unintentional weight loss can occur, particularly with type 1 diabetes, when the body begins using fat and muscle for energy because it cannot use glucose normally.

Diabetes can affect circulation and the body's ability to heal. Cuts, sores, or wounds that are not healing normally should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves. Some people with diabetes experience tingling, burning, pain, or numbness—often beginning in the feet or legs.

Some people with diabetes may experience infections more frequently, including urinary tract, skin, or yeast infections.

Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean that you have diabetes. A healthcare provider can perform blood tests to determine whether your blood glucose levels are within the normal, prediabetes, or diabetes range.

Contact a healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes or are concerned about your risk.

Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness, or other signs of a medical emergency.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes.

American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes Symptoms.