Symptoms of diabetes

Development of diabetes symptoms

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

Diagnosing diabetes

Diabetes may be detected in a routine urine test where excess glucose is present.

A blood test that measures the level of glucose in the blood will confirm whether or not the underlying cause could be diabetes. Finally a 'glucose tolerance test' is performed where serial blood sugar levels are measured following a fixed dose sugary drink. A person with diabetes is unable to clear the blood sugar as quickly as a normal person.