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 noticeable 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)
Feeling hungry more often than usual, or any other change in appetite, is worth mentioning to a GP or nurse. See the NHS diabetes overview for the common signs.
Blurred Vision
Diabetes can affect eyesight. Blurred vision can be a sign of diabetes. Anyone who notices changes in their eyesight should get advice from a GP or optometrist. See the NHS type 2 diabetes symptoms page.
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. Thrush, or infections that keep coming back, can be a sign of diabetes. See the NHS type 2 diabetes symptoms page.
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. Itching around the genitals, or thrush that keeps coming back, can also be a sign of diabetes. See the NHS type 2 diabetes symptoms page.
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 does not look the same in everyone, and some people have no symptoms at all. Tell a senior colleague or the person’s GP about any new change in their health or behaviour. See the NHS diabetes overview.
You may notice changes 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. It usually starts in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. Common signs include (see the NHS type 1 diabetes symptoms page):
- Very high levels of thirst and urination
- Rapid, unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired
Without treatment, Type 1 diabetes can lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life threatening. Signs can include stomach pain, feeling or being sick, breathing faster and more deeply than usual, breath that smells fruity, and feeling sleepy or confused. If you think someone has DKA, treat it as an emergency: call 999 or go to A&E, and follow your service’s procedure.
Signs and Symptoms Specific to Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop gradually, and some people have no symptoms at all, which can make it harder to spot. See the NHS type 2 diabetes symptoms page. 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
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
Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms and is usually found through screening offered in pregnancy. Anyone worried about symptoms should speak to their midwife or doctor. See the NHS gestational diabetes page.
Signs in Older People and Those With Support Needs
Older adults and people with a learning disability 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
- Blurred vision
- Confusion or not making sense
- In severe cases, drowsiness or collapse
Low blood sugar needs prompt action. If the person is awake and can swallow safely, follow their care plan and your service’s procedure, which will say what fast-acting sugary food or drink to give. If they are unconscious or not responding normally, do not give anything by mouth, put them in the recovery position and call 999. See the NHS guidance on low blood sugar.
When to Seek Help
Anyone with possible signs of diabetes should speak to a GP or nurse. In England, if type 1 diabetes is suspected, help the person to get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if they become very unwell, for example with stomach pain, being sick, drowsiness, confusion or breathing faster and more deeply than usual. See the NHS type 1 diabetes symptoms page.
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. Diabetes can increase the chance of other health problems over time, such as heart, kidney, nerve, foot and sight problems. Managing diabetes well can lower the chance of complications, which is why early diagnosis and regular reviews matter. See the NHS diabetes overview.
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 the person to attend their regular diabetes reviews and checks, as set out in their care plan, including diabetic eye screening when it is offered. See the NHS diabetes overview.
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.