1.4 Describe signs and symptoms of diabetes

This guide will help you answer 1.4 Describe signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body processes glucose, a type of sugar used for energy. There are two main types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 usually develops early in life and means the body does not make insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter the cells. Type 2 is more common, often seen in adults, and usually means the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work well. Some women can develop diabetes during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes.

Spotting the signs and symptoms of diabetes can help people get the right care. Early recognition is important because untreated diabetes can lead to short and long-term health problems.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Recognising the signs and symptoms of diabetes makes a real difference, especially for someone living or working in health and social care. These signs may develop suddenly or over time. Some symptoms are easy to spot, while others may be more subtle.

Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

One of the first noticeble symptoms is feeling thirsty more often. People with diabetes often feel a strong urge to drink lots of water, even if they haven’t been active or it isn’t hot. This thirst does not go away, even after drinking large amounts.

This happens because high levels of glucose in the blood pull fluid from cells, making someone feel dry or dehydrated.

Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

Another common symptom is needing to urinate more often than usual. This often happens during the night and can disrupt sleep. The body tries to remove extra glucose by passing it in urine. This leads to more trips to the toilet. If someone notices a dramatic increase in how often they urinate or if they have trouble getting through the night without needing the toilet, it could be a sign of diabetes.

Extreme Tiredness (Fatigue)

People with diabetes often feel tired or lacking in energy, even when getting enough sleep. Their body cannot use glucose properly for energy because of the lack of effective insulin. This leaves the muscles and organs short of energy. If someone notices feeling unusually drained or weary most days, it is time to think about this as a possible sign.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Another warning sign, especially for Type 1 diabetes, is losing a lot of weight without trying. When the body cannot use glucose for energy, it starts breaking down fat and muscle. This causes weight loss even if the person eats normally, or sometimes even more than usual.

Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

Even with high levels of glucose in the blood, people with diabetes might feel hungry all the time. That is because their cells cannot use the glucose properly, so the body signals for more food in an effort to get the energy it needs.

Blurred Vision

Diabetes can affect eyesight. High blood sugar causes swelling in the lens of the eye, leading to blurred or cloudy vision. This effect can come and go, or become worse over time. Sometimes, glasses no longer seem to help. These changes usually improve when blood sugar control improves, but ongoing high sugar can cause lasting damage.

Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds

With diabetes, the body heals more slowly. Cuts, sores, and wounds may stay open for longer or heal poorly. High blood sugar affects blood flow and damages blood vessels. This limits how well essential nutrients get to the damaged areas and lowers the body’s immune response.

Frequent Infections

Recurring infections are a strong warning sign. Infections can develop in many places but are especially common in the gums, skin, bladder, and genital area. Fungi and bacteria thrive when sugar levels are high, making infections more likely and harder to clear. Women may report frequent episodes of thrush or urine infections. Men may also notice swelling or soreness around the genitals.

Tingling, Pain, or Numbness in Hands or Feet

Damage to nerves, called neuropathy, is another possible symptom. High blood glucose harms tiny blood vessels that supply the nerves. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning, or pain, mostly in the feet and hands. Some people report a prickling feeling or that their feet go numb easily. These symptoms can reduce sensation and put the person at risk of injury.

Dry Mouth and Itchy Skin

People with diabetes may notice their skin feels dry or itchy. High sugar can draw fluids from tissues, leaving skin and mucous membranes less moist. Dry mouth can result, making swallowing, chewing, or speaking uncomfortable. Persistent itching may affect the trunk or private areas.

Headaches

Changes in blood sugar can lead to headaches, ranging from mild to severe. Fluctuations are often seen when blood sugar is very high or drops quickly.

Less Obvious Symptoms

Diabetes can sometimes cause more subtle signs, especially in early stages. Some are often overlooked or brushed off as stress or a busy lifestyle.

• Leg cramps
• Unusual irritability or mood changes
• Trouble paying attention or memory problems
• Sexual problems like reduced interest or trouble maintaining an erection in men
• Repeated dental problems
• Changes in appetite

You may notice these symptoms in people you support before they realise anything is wrong themselves.

Signs and Symptoms Specific to Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes often develops quickly, sometimes over days or a few weeks. People are often younger, usually children or teenagers. Warning signs include:

• Very high levels of thirst and urination
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tummy pain
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Symptoms of serious illness, such as difficulty breathing

Without treatment, Type 1 diabetes can lead to a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is a medical emergency. Signs include confusion, stomach pain, deep or rapid breathing, and a sweet, fruity smell on the breath.

Signs and Symptoms Specific to Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly over years, making it more difficult to spot. Many people have few or no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they are often mild at first. Older people or those who are overweight are at higher risk.

Common signs include:

• Being tired all the time
• Needing to pass urine more often, particularly at night
• Being unusually thirsty
• More frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet and hands

Because the body still makes some insulin, symptoms are less severe than in Type 1 for many people.

Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts in pregnancy. Mothers may not notice any symptoms, but sometimes mention:

• Being thirstier than before
• Urinating more often
• More episodes of thrush or urine infections
• Feeling tired

Regular testing during pregnancy usually picks up high blood sugar before clear symptoms appear.

Signs in Older People and Those With Support Needs

Older adults or people with learning difficulties may not always say if something is wrong. Changes may be mistaken for ageing or other health issues. Look for:

• Increased confusion or memory loss
• Unsteadiness or more frequent falls
• Sudden weight loss
• Increased sleeping or sudden fatigue
• Urinating more often, including incontinence
• Sudden drop in mood, or becoming withdrawn

Spotting these signs can make a big difference to the outcome for the person.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)

People with diabetes may sometimes have low sugar episodes, usually if they are on insulin or some diabetes tablets. Signs to look for include:

• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating more than usual
• Feeling weak or hungry
• Suddenly irritable or anxious
• Pale skin
• Headache or blurred vision
• Confusion or not making sense
• In severe cases, drowsiness or collapse

Low blood sugar episodes need quick action. Giving a sweet drink or snack is important, and medical help may be needed.

When to Seek Help

Anyone experiencing warning signs should speak to a doctor or nurse. Early detection and good management can prevent serious health problems. In some cases, symptoms appear rapidly and can make someone very unwell within hours. This is always an emergency, especially in young people or those with Type 1 diabetes.

Blood tests can confirm whether glucose levels are too high. Treatment may involve changes in diet and exercise, medication or insulin injections.

Prevention of Complications

Spotting symptoms early helps stop complications before they begin. Untreated diabetes can harm eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and feet. The risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and limb loss rises greatly if diabetes is ignored. Many of these problems can be limited or even stopped if diabetes is picked up and treated soon.

Checking for Symptoms in a Care Setting

As a health and social care worker, noticing and reporting signs is part of your role. Always:

• Listen carefully to the person you support
• Notice and record changes in behaviour
• Pay attention to wounds, skin changes, or infections
• Look out for changes in eating, drinking, or going to the toilet
• Be aware of mood and alertness changes

Share concerns quickly with the right member of staff, such as a nurse or GP. Accurate recording and early action safeguard people’s health.

Supporting People with Diabetes

For those already diagnosed, spotting changes is important. Sometimes, new symptoms mean the person’s diabetes is not well-controlled or that something new is going on, like infection or illness. Encourage good self-care, help with food and drink, and make sure medication is taken as prescribed.

Support regular checks, including:

• Eye tests
• Foot checks
• Blood pressure checks
• Blood tests for long-term glucose control

Working together keeps the person as healthy as possible.

Final Thoughts

The signs and symptoms of diabetes are varied and can develop at any age. Some are easy to notice, such as feeling thirsty, needing the toilet more often, and feeling tired. Others are more hidden, like slow healing cuts or changes in mood. Looking out for these warning signs makes a real difference and can change the outcome for the person supported.

Knowing what to watch for helps you take prompt, effective action. Early recognition and passing on your concerns make sure people get the help they need, preventing further health problems and improving their quality of life. Each symptom, no matter how minor, is worth mentioning. Your awareness and care form the first line of support for people living with or at risk of diabetes.