Diabetes hinders the body’s ability to manage its blood sugar levels.
Knowing the early signs of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to a quicker diagnosis and help prevent health problems.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Symptoms
Diabetes has two main types, with type 2 being the most common. Both forms prevent the body from effectively using or producing insulin, which is essential for processing blood sugar. When blood sugar levels get too high, they can harm cells and cause various complications.
Catching the early symptoms of diabetes is key for getting timely medical care and preventing long-term damage.
General Symptoms
Common symptoms that apply to both types of diabetes include:
- Fatigue
- Hunger, even after eating
- Unexpected weight loss despite eating more
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Blurry vision
- Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands and feet
- A skin condition called “Acanthosis nigricans,” which can make skin in areas like the neck and armpits appear velvety.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can vary from person to person depending on their age and overall health.
Type 1 Diabetes
While type 1 diabetes is most common in young children, it can also develop in adults.
In Infants and Young Children:
Caregivers might notice “fatigue,” “intense hunger,” “unexplained weight loss,” and “vision changes.” Other signs can include “yeast infections” (like diaper rash), a “fruity smell on the breath,” and “unusual behavior,” such as “irritability, restlessness, or mood swings.”
In Adults:
Adults should consult a doctor if they experience “unexplained weight loss,” “extreme thirst,” “frequent urination,” “blurry vision,” “recurrent yeast infections,” or “slow healing of cuts and bruises.”
Type 2 Diabetes
Many people find out they have type 2 diabetes during a routine checkup, while others seek medical help because of symptoms or complications.
Symptoms of related complications can include “skin infections or itching,” “changes in vision or eye health,” “tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in the hands and feet,” “poor circulation and foot ulcers,” “excessive thirst or dry mouth,” a “fruity smell on the breath,” and “kidney issues.”
