Diabetes can develop at any age, including in younger people, and early symptoms can sometimes be mild or mistaken for stress, lifestyle changes, or normal fluctuations. Here are 9 possible signs that may be overlooked:
- Frequent urination
- Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night, can happen when excess glucose causes the kidneys to remove more water.
- Increased thirst
- Feeling unusually thirsty or unable to “catch up” on fluids.
- Feeling very hungry even after eating
- The body may not be using glucose properly for energy, leading to persistent hunger.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Losing weight without trying can be a warning sign, especially in type 1 diabetes.
- Persistent tiredness
- High blood sugar levels can leave the body with less usable energy.
- Blurred vision
- Changes in blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye and cause temporary vision changes.
- Slow-healing cuts or frequent infections
- High blood sugar can affect immune function and wound healing.
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Nerve symptoms can occur, especially when blood sugar has been elevated for a long time.
- Darkened patches of skin
- Velvety, darker areas (often around the neck, armpits, or groin) called acanthosis nigricans can be associated with insulin resistance.
When to get checked
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have several of these symptoms, especially:
- Increased thirst + frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- A family history of diabetes
- Risk factors such as overweight, high blood pressure, or a history of gestational diabetes
A simple blood test, such as fasting blood glucose or HbA1c, can help check for diabetes or prediabetes. Many people have few symptoms early on, so testing can be useful even when someone feels well.
