Symptoms of Diabetes

The signs and symptoms for diabetes depend on the type of diabetes you might have and how long the diabetes has gone untreated. Many patients with type 2 diabetes have no signs or symptoms at all, or their symptoms for diabetes develop gradually. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often occur suddenly and can be severe. If you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes, there are both subtle and extreme signs and symptoms that you can watch for. Remember to talk to your doctor about the signs and symptoms for diabetes to ensure you are properly diagnosed.

Symptoms are usually related to high blood glucose levels. The classic symptoms of diabetes are:

• Frequent urination
• Constant thirst
• Unintentional weight loss

Because type 2 diabetes tends to develop slowly, it often does not have these classic symptoms. Other symptoms and signs include:

• blurry vision
• fatigue
• slow-healing sores or cuts
• itching of the skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area)
• yeast infections
• impotence
• numbness or tingling of the hands and feet
• fatigue or weakness

When blood glucose levels become extremely high, diabetes becomes an emergency. These symptoms are a reason to get medical help right away:

• Fruity breath odor
• Confusion
• Loss of vision
• Hallucinations
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Labored or deep, short breaths
• Loss of consciousness