What are the symptoms of diabetes?

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—but many of the signs overlap. Early detection of these symptoms can help manage the disease more effectively. Here are the common symptoms:

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms:

• Rapid weight loss: Often due to excessive urination and loss of calories.
• Frequent urination: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to filter out excess glucose through urine.
• Increased thirst: Due to fluid loss from frequent urination.
• Extreme hunger: Cells are not getting enough glucose for energy.
• Fatigue: Cells are not getting enough energy.
• Irritability or mood changes: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect mood.
• Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause fluid to be pulled into the lens of the eyes, affecting vision.
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections: Higher blood sugar levels weaken the immune system and impair circulation.
• Nausea and vomiting: Can occur when blood sugar levels are very high.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms:

• Increased thirst: Often due to elevated blood glucose levels.
• Frequent urination: As the kidneys try to remove excess glucose.
• Unexplained weight loss: Although eating more than usual, the body cannot use glucose properly for energy.
• Fatigue and irritability: Due to inadequate energy production at the cellular level.
• Blurred vision: Changes in blood sugar levels can affect vision.
• Cuts and wounds that are slow to heal: Poor circulation and nerve damage can slow down the healing process.
• Increased infections: More prone to bacterial and fungal infections, such as bladder, skin, and gum infections.
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet: Caused by nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).
• Frequent yeast infections: Due to high glucose levels affecting immune response and creating a favorable environment for yeast.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination are common.
• Fatigue: The extra insulin required to handle the extra blood glucose can lead to feeling very tired.
• Blurred vision: Changes in blood sugar levels can affect vision.
• Frequent infections: Especially yeast infections, due to high blood sugar.
• Nausea and vomiting in severe cases.
• No noticeable symptoms in some cases—gestational diabetes is sometimes discovered through routine screening during pregnancy.

Other Symptoms Across Types:

• Slow-healing cuts or sores: Diabetics may notice cuts and sores take longer to heal.
• Dry, itchy skin: Due to dehydration from increased urination and glucose loss through the skin.
• Swelling in the feet or hands: Due to poor circulation and fluid retention.
• Mood swings and irritability: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect mood and energy levels.

Recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical advice is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for those with the disease. Regular blood tests, such as fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, can also detect diabetes before symptoms appear.