Symptoms of Diabetes

A few common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, and increased fatigue. Other possible symptoms include weight loss and slow-healing wounds. In the case of type 1 diabetes, symptoms usually develop over a short time; symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop more gradually. Often, type 2 diabetes isn't even diagnosed until a routine blood test.

Diabetes -- What Is It?

This video clips explains type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

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What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

When people have diabetes, the body's cells are locked and the sugar that's in the blood can't enter the cells to give them energy. Since sugar can't get into the cells, it starts to build up in the bloodstream. High levels of blood sugar can lead to the common signs and symptoms of diabetes, including:

• Urinating more than usual
• Frequently being very thirsty, hungry, or tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Blurry vision
• Dry or itchy skin
• Tingling sensations in your hands or feet
• Sores that don't heal well.

Urinating More Frequently and/or Being Thirsty, Hungry, or Tired

Many people with diabetes symptoms urinate more often than usual. This is because their body is trying to get rid of extra sugar through the urine. Going to the bathroom a lot also makes people very thirsty.

Since the sugar from the food you eat can't get into your cells, your muscles and organs don't have the energy they need. This can cause you to feel tired and fatigued.

  

Losing Weight Without Trying

If your cells can't get energy from sugar, they'll try to get it from other sources. Sometimes, they'll get energy from the fat in your body. This is why some people with diabetes lose weight even when they aren't trying to. This weight loss usually only happens in people with type 1 diabetes. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes tend to be overweight before developing diabetes.