The signs of diabetes include several common symptoms caused by high blood sugar levels and how the body responds to it. Key signs are:
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth and itchy skin
- Slow-healing cuts and infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet (more in type 2)
- In women, frequent vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections
Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually appear quickly and include frequent urination, constant thirst, tiredness, and rapid weight loss. Type 2 symptoms tend to develop gradually and can be mild initially, sometimes going unnoticed for years. Both adults and children may exhibit these symptoms, with some variations based on age and type of diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid complications.
