Diabetes symptoms: early signs and when to see a doctor

Diabetes does not always announce itself. Some people notice clear changes within days, while others feel fine for years. Knowing the common signs helps you decide when to speak to a doctor and ask about a blood test.

Common symptoms

The NIDDK lists these signs as common to all types of diabetes:

• Passing urine more often than usual
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry, even after eating
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Sores that do not heal
• Frequent infections, such as urinary tract, skin or yeast infections

The WHO also lists increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, tiredness and unintentional weight loss. The NHS adds itching around the genitals or repeated thrush as possible signs.

Symptoms in type 1 diabetes

According to the NIDDK, type 1 symptoms usually develop quickly, over days or weeks, and often include unexplained weight loss. In children, the NIDDK describes frequent urination, thirst, and weight loss despite eating more. In adults the symptoms may come on slowly and look like type 2 diabetes.

The NHS suggests a simple memory aid for type 1 diabetes, the 4 Ts: toilet, thirsty, tired, thinner. It says children may have heavier nappies or start wetting the bed.

Symptoms in type 2 diabetes

The NIDDK says type 2 diabetes often develops slowly over several years, and many people have no symptoms or only mild ones. Some people find out only when a complication appears, such as pain, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, sexual problems, chest pain or vision loss. The WHO says that because symptoms can go unnoticed for years, diagnosis sometimes comes after complications have already started.

Symptoms in pregnancy

The NIDDK says most people with gestational diabetes have no symptoms. Mild signs may include unusual thirst or needing to pass urine more often. For this reason, pregnant women are usually tested rather than waiting for symptoms.

Why symptoms can be missed

Many of these signs are also seen in other conditions, and they can be mild. In children, the NHS notes that colds, tonsillitis, tummy pain or nappy rash can hide the signs of type 1 diabetes. This is why a blood test, not guesswork, is needed to know for sure.

When to see a doctor

• Talk with a primary health care professional about any symptoms and ask whether you should be tested, as the NIDDK advises.
• The NHS advises seeing a GP if you think you or your child may have type 2 diabetes, or if you are at higher risk.
• For suspected type 1 diabetes, the NHS advises an urgent appointment with a GP or the NHS 111 service, because it can get worse quickly.
• If you have had gestational diabetes in the past, your provider may recommend regular testing for type 2 diabetes, according to the NIDDK.
• If you take medicines that may affect diabetes risk, ask your provider about them. The NIDDK names examples such as steroid medicines and some others.

Emergency signs

The NIDDK describes diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as a medical emergency that needs treatment right away. The NIDDK lists very tired feeling, trouble breathing, fruity-smelling breath, fainting from dehydration, and stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. The NHS says to call emergency services if diabetes symptoms come with worsening symptoms, stomach pain or vomiting, sleepiness or confusion, or faster, deeper breathing than usual, and not to drive yourself.

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).

This article is for education only. A doctor can diagnose diabetes with blood tests, and symptoms alone cannot confirm it.