Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes is a dangerous condition but one that can be treated effectively once the symptoms are spotted and a diagnosis is made.
The symptoms of diabetes are a consequence of having higher than normal blood sugar levels and are therefore common to all forms of diabetes mellitus including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
What are the common symptoms of diabetes
Early awareness of diabetes is important as it will allow for earlier treatment, reducing the chances of developing complications.
If caught early enough in the prediabetes “stage”, it may even be reversible.
The best way to spot diabetes early on is by looking for the telling symptoms, which are:
- Tiredness (Fatigue)
- Excessive thirst (Polydipsia – constantly feeling thirsty, even after drinking)
- Excessive Urination (Polyuria)
- Excessive Hunger (Polyphagia – persistent hunger, even after recently eating)
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have a number of these symptoms, contact your clinician who will be able to advise whether a diagnostic test for diabetes is needed.
These symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, so you should make sure to be aware of them if you are responsible for a child, as they may exhibit them if suffering with type 1 diabetes.
The links below have a lot more information on each symptom and what to look out for.
If you have a number of these symptoms, contact your clinician who will be able to advise whether a diagnostic test for diabetes is needed.
Development of diabetes symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes can vary from being subtle for some people to more obvious in others. Symptoms to tend to develop most quickly in children with type 1 diabetes.
In adults, the symptoms may come on more gradually, particularly in the case of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes can also occur in pregnancy, referred to as gestational diabetes. Notify your health team if you have these symptoms during your pregnancy.
The importance of getting a diagnosis
It’s highly recommended to get a diagnosis of diabetes at the earliest stage possible as this will allow diabetes to be treated sooner and therefore limit the damage that diabetes can do.
The biggest threat of undiagnosed type 1 diabetes is a condition called ketoacidosis which can cause dehydration and vomiting and can lead to coma and death.
The threat of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes comes from persistently high sugar levels over a long period of time, which can lead to gradual development of damage to the nerves, eyes and kidneys.
Last reviewed: March 10, 2015 at 19:52
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