Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes 101
diabetes supplies type 1 vs type 2 diabetes

The signs and symptoms of diabetes are often mistaken or overlooked so it’s important to be aware of them.

Signs & symptoms of diabetes include a broad range of things from unexplained body weight fluctuations, to fatigue, to hair loss. A sign of diabetes is something measurable that your doctor can objectively observe. A symptom of diabetes is something you experience that is subjective. Many of the early symptoms of diabetes often don’t present until diabetes is far along. This is why it is super important to go to regular yearly doctor appointments and pay attention to anything you may be feeling that seems out of the ordinary or unexplained.

Jump To a Section

Common Signs of Diabetes

The early warning signs of diabetes are often so subtle that you may not even notice them. (This is more true with type 2 diabetes but can also be true with type 1 diabetes.) Common signs that your doctor will be able to detect at a regular check up before you may notice symptoms include:

  • HgbA1c >5.7%
  • Fasting Blood Glucose >100mg/dL
  • Positive ketones in the urine
  • Unexplained weight loss

What are the Warning Signs of Prediabetes?

There often aren’t any early warning signs of pre-diabetes that you’ll be able to notice without going to a doctor. Pre-diabetes can be detected via blood tests, often before any symptoms develop. Pre-diabetes is screened for at regular check ups because at this point in the course of diabetes, it is reversible with lifestyle changes for most people!

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to present rapidly and if left untreated can result in death. But, symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop more slowly while damage is occurring inside the body. In both cases, it is important to see a doctor regularly and especially when you notice any of the symptoms below:

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Hair loss and dry skin
  • Nausea
  • Wounds that won’t heal
  • Tingling in the fingers and toes (diabetic neuropathy)
  • Blurred vision (possibly the onset of diabetic retinopathy)
  • Frequent urination and excessive thirst (possibly the result of diabetic ketoacidosis)
  • Yeast infections
  • Dry mouth

Featured Content for Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes

Want to learn more about the signs & symptoms of diabetes? Check out these articles for real life advice and information.

This site uses cookies to help improve your user experience. You acknowledge your acceptance by clicking Accept. Read our Privacy Policy here.