You may have diabetes if you experience common symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Excessive thirst
- Feeling very hungry even when eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- Itchy or dry skin
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in hands or feet (more common in type 2)
These symptoms occur because diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which affect various body functions like kidney filtration and energy use
. Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to appear suddenly and include the "4 Ts": Toilet (frequent urination), Thirsty, Tired, and Thinner (weight loss)
. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop more gradually and may be mild or unnoticed for years
. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially a combination of them, you should see a healthcare provider for a blood test to confirm whether you have diabetes. The most common tests are the A1C test and plasma glucose test
. In summary, diabetes is suspected based on symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, hunger, fatigue, and weight changes, but diagnosis requires medical testing. Early detection is important to prevent complications
