What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?

Got a feeling that diabetes might be creeping in? Whether it's you, a family member, or a friend, noticing some of the symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have it, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious.

Keep reading to learn about the key signs and symptoms of diabetes — spotting them early can make a huge difference in managing the condition.

What are the different types of diabetes?

The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

1.  Type 1 diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes is a long-term autoimmune condition that blocks the pancreas from secreting insulin, an essential hormone in the regulation of blood glucose levels. Previously referred to as juvenile diabetes and insulin-dependent diabetes, the condition is caused by an autoimmune response, necessitating daily therapy with artificial insulin for health maintenance.

What are the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes?

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes typically start mild and get progressively worse or more intense, which could happen over several days, weeks or months. This is because your pancreas makes less and less insulin.

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include:

• Excessive thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Excessive hunger.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Slow healing of cuts and sores.
• Vaginal yeast infections.

2. Type 2 diabetes:  

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a long-term condition where blood sugar levels rise above normal — often over 126 mg/dL. It happens when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough. T2D is more common than type 1 and affects around 6.3% of the population, mostly those over 45, but it’s increasingly seen in younger people and even children.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia).
• Frequent urination.
• Increased hunger.
• Fatigue.
• Slow healing of cuts or sores.
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
• Blurred vision.
• Dry skin.
• Unexplained weight loss.
  
  

3. Gestational Diabetes

A type of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy, usually between 24–28 weeks. It is caused by hormonal changes that affect how the body uses insulin. Most cases can be managed with diet and exercise, but some may require insulin. When followed up with good prenatal care, both mom and baby remain happy and healthy.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are mild and often absent entirely, making gestational diabetes distinguished from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which have more overt symptoms. Symptoms like tiredness, frequent urination, excessive thirst, nausea, or vomiting may be present but will not be severe enough to trigger concern for the mother.  

Other  types of diabetes:

• Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): Caused by a genetic mutation, typically inherited, and develops before 25.
  
• Neonatal Diabetes: Diagnosed before six months, not autoimmune, and differs from Type 1.
  
• Wolfram Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that includes diabetes, treated like Type 1
  
• Alström Syndrome: A genetic syndrome with multiple features, including diabetes.
  
• Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): A mix of Type 1 and Type 2, also known as Type 1.5.
  
• Type 3c Diabetes: Caused by damage to the pancreas from conditions like pancreatic cancer or cystic fibrosis.
  
• Steroid-induced Diabetes: Develops in some people using steroids, especially those at risk for Type 2.
  
• Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes: Common in those with cystic fibrosis, combining aspects of Type 1 and Type 2.
  
• Monogenic Diabetes: Caused by a single-gene mutation, can sometimes be managed with oral meds instead of insulin.
  
• Brittle Diabetes: Severe Type 1 with extreme blood sugar fluctuations, often needing hospitalization.

Each of these diabetes types has its own distinct causes and characteristics, often requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment strategies.

What are the most common symptoms?

Everyone’s experience with diabetes is unique. You might have symptoms that aren’t listed, or your symptoms might feel different from someone else’s.

However, the most common signs include:

• increased hunger.
• increased thirst.
• weight loss.
• frequent urination.
• blurry vision.
• extreme fatigue.
• sores that don’t heal.

What Are the Early Signs of Diabetes?

1. Increased hunger:

Without Insulin, cells are not able to uptake glucose, which means your body craves more food for energy.

2. Fatigue: 

Low insulin means low energy, and therefore, you might feel unusually tired. 

3. Frequent urination:

 When glucose levels are high in blood, it puts more stress on the kidneys, increasing urination and resulting in more fluid loss.

4. Excessive thirst: 

Because you are urinating frequently, you're losing fluids and feeling thirsty all the time.

5.  Dry mouth & skin: 

Fluid loss or dehydration creates dry mouth and itchy and dry skin. 

6. Blurred vision: 

Imbalance of fluid levels results in swollen eye lenses, which can affect your vision.

7. Unexplained weight loss: 

When glucose is not able to be used for energy anymore, the body will start to burn fat and muscle instead.

Diabetes symptoms by age group and gender

Diabetes doesn’t look the same for everyone — symptoms can vary based on age and gender.

Symptoms in men

In addition to the general symptoms of diabetes, men with diabetes may have:

• a decreased sex drive
• erectile dysfunction
• poor muscle strength

Symptoms in women

Women with diabetes can have symptoms such as:

• vaginal dryness
• urinary tract infections
• yeast infections
• dry, itchy skin

Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

In type 1 diabetes:

Symptoms can range from no noticeable signs to life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Common signs in children include:

• Frequent urination.
• Excessive thirst.
• Weight loss due to high sugar levels.
• Other potential symptoms: fatigue, blurry vision, and nausea.

 In type 2 diabetes:

Symptoms can vary widely. Many children may not show any signs at all, while others may experience severe hyperglycemia or DKA, which is often detected during routine testing.

Diabetes prevention: tips for taking control 

Lifestyle changes are essential for diabetes prevention, particularly for individuals at the highest risk, including those who have excess weight, high cholesterol, or a family history. Healthier lifestyle choices may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes for prediabetic individuals. It's never too late to take control of your health to avoid complications down the road.

1. Weight Management

Weight reduction is a key strategy in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with prediabetes aim for a 5% to 7% reduction in body weight to significantly reduce their risk of developing diabetes. 

2. Increased Physical Activity

 Regular physical activity offers multiple health benefits, including:

• Weight management.
• Improved glycemic control.
• Enhanced insulin sensitivity.
• Improved cardiovascular fitness.

Exercise Recommendations:

• Aerobic Activity: (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming).
• Strength Training: Perform strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week to improve muscle mass and metabolic function.
• Balance Training: In older adults, balance exercises conducted 2–3 times per week can help reduce fall risk and improve stability.
• Breaks in Sedentary Time: To enhance glycemic control, individuals should aim to reduce sedentary periods by standing or walking for a few minutes every 30 minutes.
  
  

3. Dietary Modifications for Increased Fiber Intake

A diet rich in plant-based foods provides essential nutrients and fiber, which are beneficial for glycemic control and weight management. Fiber-rich foods promote satiety, slow the absorption of sugars, and improve lipid profiles. Recommended fiber sources include:

• Fruits (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, tree fruits)
• Non-starchy Vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower)
• Legumes (e.g., beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Whole Grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice, whole oats)
  
  

4. Incorporating Healthy Fats

Consumption of healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, plays a role in managing blood cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health. Healthy fat sources include:

• Olive, canola, sunflower, and safflower oils
• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds)
• Fatty Fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna)
  
  

5. Avoiding Fad Diets and Promoting Sustainable, Healthy Eating Habits

Fad diets (e.g., ketogenic, paleo, glycemic index-based diets) may produce short-term weight loss but lack robust evidence regarding their long-term efficacy in diabetes prevention. A more sustainable approach involves adopting a balanced diet that can be maintained long-term. Healthy eating strategies should focus on nutrient-dense foods and portion control.

Diabetes Drugs GLP-1 Injections: Effective Choices for Blood Sugar Regulation & Weight Loss

1. Mounjaro  

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is used for type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels, and tirzepatide also causes weight loss. 

How Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro's mechanism of action involves mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 which:

• Stimulates insulin production from the pancreas
• Reduces liver sugar production
• Slows down digestion
• Helps control appetite and food intake.

Mounjaro ingredients:

Active ingredient: tirzepatide

Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid solution and/or sodium hydroxide solution may have been added to adjust the pH.

Before using this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you:

• are allergic to the tirzepatide, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or any of the ingredients contained in the pens or vials 
• have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma 
• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Pancreatic or kidney issues.
• Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Upcoming surgery with sedation.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• It’s unclear if Mounjaro affects unborn babies. Let your provider know if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• It may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills — alternative methods are recommended.
• Unknown if it passes into breast milk — consult your healthcare provider.
  
  

Mounjaro Dosing Information

1. Initial Dose: 2.5 mg once weekly (subcutaneous injection)

This starting dose is used to help your body adjust to the medication. It does not control blood sugar on its own.

2. After 4 Weeks: Increase to 5 mg once weekly
   

   

This is the first effective dose for lowering blood sugar levels.

3. If more control is needed: Increase to 7.5 mg once weekly (after 4 weeks on 5 mg)
   

   

Used to improve glycemic control when 5 mg is not enough.

4. After four weeks on 7.5 mg: increase to 10 mg once a week.

Provides stronger blood sugar and weight management support when lower doses aren’t sufficient.

5. Maximum Dose: 12.5 mg once weekly
   

   

This is the highest approved dose for optimal blood sugar control and weight management.

2. Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a weekly injection for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar (A1C), supports weight loss, and reduces risks of heart and kidney complications.

It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to boost insulin, slow digestion, reduce liver sugar, and control appetite.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic's mechanism of action involves mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1, which:

• Boost insulin production
• Lower sugar made by the liver
• Slow digestion
• Reduce appetite

Ozempic ingredients:

Active Ingredient: semaglutide

Inactive Ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injection.

Ozempic side effects:

The most common Ozempic side effects are:  

• Nausea (16% to 20%)
• Diarrhea (8% to 9%)
• Vomiting (5% to 9%)
• Stomach pain (6% to 7%)
• Constipation (3% to 5%)
• Low blood sugar (1.6% to 3.8%)

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in this medicine, or if you have:

• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands)
• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

And Tell your doctor if you have:

• Stomach or digestive issues (like gastroparesis).
• Pancreatitis.
• Kidney disease.
• Diabetic eye problems.
• Plans for surgery.
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Ozempic dosing Information

• 0.25 mg Ozempic
  

This is the starting dose.

It’s used to help your body adjust and reduce the risk of side effects — not intended to lower blood sugar.

• 0.5 mg Ozempic

This is the first therapeutic dose.

It begins the actual work of lowering your blood sugar levels after the adjustment phase.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why can diabetes lead to amputations?

If diabetes is uncontrolled, nerve damage can occur with reduced blood flow, especially in your legs. This can increase the risk of infection and wounds that may not heal — and if they are left untreated can potentially lead to an amputation.  Regular monitoring and proper management, can help prevent this.

2. Are people with diabetes restricted from consuming sugar?

not really. People with diabetes can still enjoy their sweets—they just have to be careful about it. It's a matter of balance: having too much sugar or carbohydrate at one time is going to affect blood glucose levels, but having it once in a while is a part of a healthful diet.

So yes, you can enjoy that piece of cake - just make sure it fits into an overall balanced approach that meets your health goals.

3.  Can insulin cure diabetes?

No, insulin manages diabetes — it doesn’t cure it. It controls blood sugar but doesn’t fix the body’s insulin issue. It’s essential, but not a cure.