Symptoms of diabetes Dr Rob Hicks Increased thirst and blurred vision are two signs that you may have diabetes. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, you should be tested for the condition.

In this article

Development of symptoms

Diagnosing diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to develop rapidly, over a couple of weeks, and are more severe. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly and are usually milder.

Common symptoms of both types of diabetes are:

• increased thirst
• passing water frequently, especially at night
• tiredness and fatigue
• loss of weight
• genital itching or recurrent thrush

In type 1 diabetes, less common symptoms are:

• cramps
• constipation
• blurred vision
• recurrent skin infections

In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may go unnoticed for years

In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may go unnoticed for years, and only when complications of diabetes - such as foot ulceration or blurred vision occur - is diabetes diagnosed. Remember that all the symptoms may not be present. Whenever any of these symptoms arise, it's important to be tested for diabetes.

Diabetes may be detected in a routine urine test where excess glucose is present. In type 1 diabetes, people often develop symptoms over a few weeks. They may feel thirsty all the time and need to urinate a lot, and they may feel tired and lose weight.

A blood test that measures the level of glucose in the blood will confirm whether or not the underlying cause is diabetes.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Roger Henderson in January 2009.
First published in April 2001.