2.4 Describe the signs and symptoms of diabetes

This guide will help you answer 2.4 Describe the signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to control blood glucose levels. It happens when there is a problem with insulin production or the way insulin works. There are different types of diabetes, such as Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Although the causes vary, there are many signs and symptoms that people can experience. These can develop over time or appear suddenly, depending on the type.

Recognising these signs is important for spotting the condition early. Late diagnosis can lead to serious health problems, so paying attention to changes in the body is essential.

Common Symptoms Across Diabetes Types

Many people with diabetes will share certain symptoms regardless of type.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Passing urine much more often than normal
• Feeling extremely tired
• Blurred vision
• Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent infections

These symptoms occur because the body cannot use glucose effectively. Extra glucose builds up in the blood and causes these noticeable effects.

Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

Feeling thirstier than usual is one of the first signs. This is called polydipsia. When blood glucose levels are high, the kidneys try to get rid of excess glucose through urine. This makes a person urinate more often, known as polyuria. Losing a lot of fluid this way leads to dehydration. The body responds by signalling that you need to drink more water.

These two symptoms often go together and can be very disruptive. A person may need to wake several times at night to go to the toilet. They may start drinking more but still feel thirsty most of the time.

Extreme Tiredness

Fatigue is another frequent sign. When the body cannot use glucose for energy, cells are deprived of fuel. This leaves the person feeling exhausted even after rest. The tiredness in diabetes is not usual tiredness from lack of sleep. It often feels heavy and makes everyday tasks harder.

People may find themselves needing to sit down after simple activities. They may struggle to concentrate or feel mentally drained.

Blurred Vision

High levels of sugar in the blood can cause swelling in the lens of the eye. This changes its shape and affects focus. Many people notice their sight becomes less clear. Text can appear fuzzy and reading becomes harder. This symptom may come and go depending on blood sugar levels.

If blurred vision is ignored for too long, there is a risk of permanent eye damage. Diabetes can affect the retina and lead to serious conditions like retinopathy.

Slow Healing Wounds

Cuts, grazes and sores may take much longer to heal. High blood glucose can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation. It can also weaken the immune system. As a result, the body finds it harder to repair skin and fight bacteria.

A person with diabetes may notice that minor injuries linger for weeks. This can increase the risk of infections.

Unexplained Weight Loss

This is a common symptom in Type 1 diabetes but can appear in Type 2 too. When the body cannot use glucose for energy, it starts breaking down fat and muscle. This leads to weight loss even when appetite is normal or increased.

Weight loss is often noticed alongside hunger and weakness.

Recurrent Infections

Diabetes can make infections more common. High blood sugar can create an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive. People may get more urinary tract infections, skin infections or thrush. Women may find they get vaginal yeast infections more often than before. Men may notice balanitis, which is inflammation of the head of the penis, especially if hygiene is harder to maintain.

Repeated infections are a sign that the immune system is under strain.

Signs Specific to Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Symptoms tend to appear quickly over days or weeks.

Key signs include:

• Sudden strong thirst
• Fast weight loss
• Excessive urination
• Nausea and vomiting in severe cases
• Abdominal pain
• Fruity-smelling breath (a sign of ketoacidosis)
• Rapid breathing

Diabetic ketoacidosis can happen if Type 1 diabetes is not treated quickly. This is where acids known as ketones build up in the blood. It is life-threatening and needs urgent medical help.

Signs More Common in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly. Symptoms may be mild for months or even years. Some people do not notice anything unusual at first.

Signs often include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Itching, especially around the genitals
• Frequent infections
• Slow healing cuts
• Tingling in hands and feet (neuropathy)

Because Type 2 can be more gradual, it is often found during routine health checks.

Gestational Diabetes Signs

Gestational diabetes appears during pregnancy. Hormones can affect how insulin works and lead to high blood sugar. Many women do not notice clear signs. When they do, they are similar to other forms of diabetes, such as thirst, urination and tiredness.

Health professionals test pregnant women for gestational diabetes to prevent harm to both mother and baby.

Nerve Symptoms

High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing neuropathy. Early signs can include:

• Tingling or numbness in toes or fingers
• Burning sensations in feet
• Loss of feeling in certain areas
• Sharp pains

Nerve damage may first affect feet and legs but can spread. Loss of sensation can make injuries harder to notice.

Skin Changes

Diabetes can cause changes in skin texture and colour. These may include:

• Very dry skin
• Dark patches, often on the neck or armpits
• Red or swollen areas from infection

Poor circulation can mean the skin heals more slowly and becomes more prone to damage.

Mouth Symptoms

Some people with diabetes get gum problems. Gums may bleed more easily or appear swollen. There may be more cases of mouth infections. High blood sugar can feed bacteria in the mouth, increasing dental issues.

Emotional and Mental Health Effects

Living with undiagnosed diabetes can affect mood. Tiredness and other symptoms can lead to irritability, frustration and low mood. Changes in blood sugar can also cause mood swings. This may impact personal and work relationships.

People may feel anxious if they do not understand why they have certain symptoms. Diagnosis often helps explain these changes.

Why Symptoms Occur

In diabetes, insulin is either not produced or the body does not respond correctly to it. Without working insulin, glucose stays in the blood instead of getting into cells. The excess glucose disrupts normal functions. This causes dehydration, poor healing, nerve damage and other issues.

In Type 1, the damage is caused by the immune system attacking the pancreas. In Type 2, it is linked to insulin resistance and over time reduced insulin production.

When to Seek Help

Anyone with these signs should speak to a health professional promptly. Early diagnosis can prevent severe complications. If there are sudden serious symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing or fruity-smelling breath, urgent medical help is needed.

Testing for diabetes is straightforward. A health professional can check blood sugar levels and confirm the diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

Recognising the signs and symptoms of diabetes gives a person the best chance of getting help early. Many people dismiss thirst, tiredness or infections, thinking they are caused by being busy or stressed. These warning signs may point to a serious condition that needs treatment.

If you, a colleague or someone you care for shows these signs, encourage them to get tested. Your awareness could prevent long-term health problems. Spotting and acting on early changes is one of the most important things you can do in supporting health and wellbeing.