The signs and symptoms of diabetes can vary, but some common ones include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar levels can lead to excessive thirst and the need to urinate more often.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin.
- Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
- Having slow-healing sores.
- Dry mouth
- Extreme hunger: An uncontrolled increase in blood sugar levels can lead to feelings of constant hunger.
- Fatigue: Diabetes can cause a lack of energy, making you feel tired and sluggish.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of your eye, leading to blurred vision.
- Slow-healing cuts or sores: High blood sugar levels can affect the body’s ability to heal.
- Dry skin: High blood sugar levels can lead to dry skin and itchy rashes.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet: This can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
Other symptoms
- In women: Dry and itchy skin, vaginal dryness and frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections.
- In men: Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle strength.
It is important to note that these symptoms may not be present in all individuals with diabetes, and they may also be caused by other conditions. If you suspect that you may have diabetes, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.