Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms

Taking steps to eat healthily, exercise regularly and keep your weight under control can go a long way towards preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes or if you suspect you might be suffering from it, see your doctor. Early detection can prevent complications, which can lead to amputation or even death.

Tell-tale signs of diabetes

You might be diabetic if you are showing some of these signs and symptoms:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination

• As excess sugar builds up in your bloodstream, fluid is pulled from the tissues.
• You feel thirsty and find yourself drinking and urinating more than usual.

Increasing or constant hunger

• Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy, making you feel hungry.

Unexplained weight loss

• Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may still be losing weight.
• Without the ability to use glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat.
• Calories are lost as excess glucose is released into the urine.

Extreme fatigue

• If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may feel easily tired.

Blurred vision

• If your blood sugar is exceedingly high, fluid may be drawn from the lenses of your eyes, which may affect your ability to focus clearly.

Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

• Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.

Areas of darkened skin

• Some people with type 2 diabetes develop hyperpigmentation in the folds and creases of their bodies, usually in the armpits and neck.
• This condition, known as Acanthosis Nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.

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