Early inconspicuous signs of diabetes: How to tell if you have it

Diabetes develops gradually, and the diagnosis is often made when the disease has already begun to progress

Early signs of diabetes

Most early symptoms are associated with elevated blood glucose levels. However, these symptoms can be so subtle that you may simply not notice them. More commonly seen in the development of Type 2 diabetes, many people are unaware of health issues until problems arise due to prolonged negative impacts. Medical professionals emphasize that symptoms of Type 1 diabetes manifest much quicker, typically within a few days to a couple of weeks, and can sometimes be more severe.

Early signs of diabetes of any type

Hunger and fatigue

Your body converts the food you eat into glucose, which cells use for energy. However, your cells also need insulin to absorb this glucose. If the body doesn't produce enough insulin or if cells resist the insulin produced by the body, glucose doesn't enter the cells, leading to strong and frequent hunger, as well as increased fatigue.

Frequent urination and extreme thirst

An average person usually goes to the bathroom 4 to 7 times a day. However, with the onset of diabetes, urination can become much more frequent. Typically, the body reabsorbs glucose as it passes through the kidneys. When diabetes elevates blood sugar levels, the kidneys may struggle to return it. Consequently, the body starts producing more urine, requiring fluid. This results in intense thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom.

Dry mouth and itchiness

Your body uses a lot of fluid for urination, leaving little for other purposes in the body. This can lead to dehydration, causing dryness in the mouth and skin. Dry skin, in particular, usually itches.

Blurred vision

Changes in fluid levels in the body can lead to lens swelling in the eyes, altering their shape and affecting the ability to focus.

Early signs of type 2 diabetes

If blood glucose levels remain elevated for an extended period, the following symptoms may emerge:

Yeast infections

These can affect both women and men. Yeast thrives on glucose, so with elevated levels, infections can manifest in warm and moist areas such as between toes, under breasts, or around the genital area.

Slow-healing cuts or sores

Prolonged high blood sugar levels can impact blood circulation, causing nerve damage that makes it challenging for the body to efficiently heal wounds.

Pain or numbness in feet or legs

This is another symptom of nerve damage.

Early signs of type 1 diabetes

Unplanned weight loss

The body, unable to derive energy from food, starts burning muscles and fat. Your diet might remain unchanged, but weight loss can occur rapidly.

Nausea and vomiting

When the body resorts to burning fat, it produces ketones that accumulate. If their levels in the blood reach a dangerous point, it can lead to a severe condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. The initial signs include nausea and vomiting

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.