Early signs and symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes is a common chronic condition that 11.6% of Americans were estimated to live with in 2021, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Knowing the warning signs of diabetes and the range of symptoms associated with the condition can be a helpful start to better understanding and managing your health. Read on to learn more.

In this article:

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when blood glucose (or blood sugar) is too high, leading to a condition called hyperglycemia. High blood glucose (or blood sugar) that persists over time leads to hyperglycemia (the medical term for high blood glucose level) and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, if not reversed and corrected, eventually will lead to type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone the pancreas makes that helps direct glucose into cells for energy. For those living with diabetes, their body either cannot make enough insulin, doesn’t make any at all or is unable to respond to insulin properly (also known as insulin resistance).

If diabetes isn’t properly managed, it can lead to severe complications that may damage the eyes, heart, kidneys and nerves.

Types of diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes (or diabetes that can occur during pregnancy). Type 1 diabetes is generally classified as an autoimmune reaction that stops the body from producing insulin. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood, but it can present at any age. Currently, there is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

If someone has type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — their body doesn’t properly use insulin and is unable to maintain normal blood glucose levels. It can develop over several years and is typically diagnosed in adults. It’s generally considered to be preventable and potentially reversible with lifestyle changes.

Gestational diabetes only develops during pregnancy and may occur due to changes in hormones that make a person’s body unable to make enough insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels. Like Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes may be preventable by maintaining a healthy body weight before becoming pregnant, eating a healthy diet during pregnancy, and staying physically active before and during pregnancy.

Recognizing early signs of diabetes

Data from the CDC suggests that about 1 in 5 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it. Knowing the early signs of diabetes may help facilitate early conversations with a health care provider, which can be key to preventing chronic symptoms and serious complications later on. 

Despite their differences, these three types of diabetes share similar warning signs that require a visit to a health care provider for diagnosis. These signs and symptoms include the following.

Frequent urination

A common symptom of diabetes is frequent and urgent urination. This happens because high blood sugar needs to be eliminated by the kidneys, requiring more water to be excreted. Diabetes can also damage nerves that supply the bladder, making it unable to hold on to the urine, potentially leading to bouts of incontinence. If a person is living with undiagnosed diabetes, they may find that they have to make several trips to the bathroom and may leak urine or have difficulty emptying their bladder.

Increased thirst

Increased thirst is another common symptom of diabetes. While it may seem unrelated to blood sugar levels and pancreatic health, the two systems are linked. 

For those living with diabetes, their kidneys have to work harder to filter excess glucose and expel it through urination. Additionally, if they’re not drinking enough, their kidneys may obtain fluids from other tissues and organs to produce more urine and eliminate excess glucose. If this occurs, they can become dehydrated, and they might feel thirstier than normal. This state of chronic dehydration can then lead to serious complications, like acute kidney failure.

Extreme hunger

When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, it can’t properly source energy from glucose. This can lead to a lack of energy that causes a significant increase in hunger as the body attempts to communicate that more calories are needed to meet its perceived energy demand. That’s why feeling hungry after a meal could be a sign of diabetes in some.

Weight changes

Weight changes are frequently seen as a symptom of undiagnosed insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. When the body’s insulin production is relatively insufficient, such as it might be in the case of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, glucose can’t reach the cells — prompting the body to act as if it was starving. The body might then attempt to create energy by burning muscle and fat at a quick pace, which can lead to unexplained weight loss.

On the other hand, weight gain commonly occurs in the early stages of insulin resistance, as insulin signals the body to store energy-rich glucose in the form of fat for later use.

Fatigue and weakness

Diabetes can cause excessive fatigue, also known as diabetes fatigue syndrome. This symptom occurs when high blood sugar levels disrupt the body’s ability to turn glucose into energy. Dehydration and a slowed metabolism, also related to diabetes, can also contribute to tiredness.

Blurred vision

Elevated blood glucose levels can change the fluid levels in the tissues of the eyes, possibly leading to swelling and blurred vision. Typically, this symptom is temporary — and will disappear once glucose levels return to normal.

Slow-healing sores and frequent infections

Another early warning sign of diabetes includes open sores and wounds that take a long time to heal. This occurs because prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage. This nerve damage often leads to numbness and tingling in various areas, mostly in the hands and feet. This can then lead to undetected injuries on the feet, which can lead to ulcers. These ulcers typically appear on the bottom of the feet or in other high-pressure areas.

Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication that can increase the risk of developing an infection. Infections of the feet that do not respond to antibiotics may need more advanced treatment, including surgical removal or even amputation of dead or damaged tissue.

Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. As such, if a person experiences sensations like tingling, numbness or pain in their arms, feet, hands, or legs, they may be experiencing the effects of undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. 

Distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes share many of the same early warning symptoms, but there are a few differences between the two. Understanding the difference between the two is important, as they have varying diagnoses, risk factors and treatments.

Early signs in children versus adults

Children and adults can experience symptoms that can occur with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes prior to diagnosis. The primary difference that can dictate the diagnosis of either condition is when symptoms appear. 

Children experiencing type 1 diabetes often present with sudden symptoms, which can progress within a few hours or days. In contrast, late-onset Type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults may appear more slowly. 

Type 2 diabetes is statistically more likely to be seen in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, symptoms associated with these cases generally appear more mild and develop more slowly — potentially over several years. 

Data does suggest that Type 2 diabetes is growing increasingly common in children and adolescents, possibly due to the rise in childhood obesity and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Family history and genetic factors

Having a parent or sibling with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing these chronic diseases. People who carry certain genes might also have a higher risk of developing diabetes, but it does not guarantee that they’ll actually develop these chronic diseases. These include variants of HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1 genes for type 1 diabetes, and TCF7L2, KCNQ1 and KCNJ11 genes for type 2 diabetes.

The importance of early detection

Knowing the early signs of diabetes can help a person get a proper diagnosis from a health care provider, which would allow them to start treatment sooner. If diabetes is left unmanaged, it can lead to more serious complications.

Complications of undiagnosed diabetes

Over time, undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes can increase the chances of experiencing health complications. 

Undiagnosed or unmanaged Type 1 diabetes can lead to:

• Celiac disease
• Dental issues, including dry mouth, gum disease and thrush 
• Dry and thickened skin
• Eye problems, such as retinopathy or macular edema
• Foot ulcers
• Hearing loss
• Heart disease and stroke
• Pancreatic dysfunction
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Thyroid disease

Health complications associated with undiagnosed or unmanaged Type 2 diabetes include:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Foot ulcers
• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Nerve damage
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Sexual problems
• Stillbirth and miscarriage

When to see a doctor

If someone believes they’re experiencing effects related to undiagnosed diabetes, they might consider seeking a diagnosis from a health care provider. For those who have no symptoms, are over 35 years old, and are considered overweight or to have obesity, an initial blood sugar screening is recommended followed by repeat screenings every three years after. If they’re 35 or younger and at a higher risk of developing diabetes, they should have earlier and more frequent screenings with a health care provider’s guidance.

It's important for people to speak with their health care provider. They can also explore diabetes screening services available at a MinuteClinic.

Participating in early detection programs for diabetes can help avoid complications like diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, foot ulcers, heart disease and vascular disease problems later on.

Diagnosing and testing 

If someone is experiencing symptoms of diabetes, their health care provider can administer several tests to provide an official diagnosis of type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. Diagnostic tests for diabetes include the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, the HbA1C test (such as the CVS Health^® HbA1C test), the random plasma glucose test, and the oral glucose tolerance test. If insulin resistance is suspected but blood glucose levels are normal, a fasting insulin level can be particularly helpful.

If someone is experiencing symptoms that could be related to diabetes, they can visit a health care provider near them, including CVS Health^® MinuteClinic^®, to confirm or rule out a diabetes diagnosis.

Preventative measures and lifestyle changes

Evidence suggests that someone can delay or prevent type 2 or gestational diabetes by adopting certain lifestyle habits.

Diet and nutrition

Changing eating habits can help prevent or delay diabetes. Many who are at risk find benefit from adopting a diet that’s filled with lower-glycemic healthy fats, fruits, lean proteins, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s also recommended to avoid or lower consumption of alcoholic drinks, red or processed meats, refined grains, and sugary beverages if a person suspects the presence of undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes. 

Exercise and physical activity

Adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. Examples of aerobic exercises include bicycling, gardening, jogging, swimming and walking. Many sources have found that engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent or delay diabetes in some cases.

Monitoring blood sugar levels

While monitoring blood sugar levels is typically done after being diagnosed with diabetes, it can also be a great way for someone to better understand their body and begin early conversations with their health care provider about treatment and prevention, if needed. A person can get a blood sugar meter (also known as a glucometer) and test strips, or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check their blood sugar levels regularly. Products to try include CVS Health True Metrix self-monitoring blood glucose strips and a Freestyle Freedom Lite blood glucose and monitoring system.

A health care provider can recommend how often it is necessary to check blood sugar based on individual health factors.

Early detection is key for preventing complications

Diabetes is a common diagnosis that millions of Americans experience each year. Knowing the early signs of diabetes can ensure someone receives a prompt diagnosis and proper treatment from a health care provider to help prevent serious complications. If someone is experiencing symptoms they believe are related to diabetes, they should see a health care provider who can administer blood sugar tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of diabetes in each specific case.

Frequently asked questions

What are warning signs of diabetes?

There are many potential signs of diabetes, although some of them are nonspecific and can occur as a result of other medical problems. If someone is concerned they may have diabetes or they are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, they should consider seeing a health care provider:

• Blurry vision
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Weakness
• Weight changes

Can diabetes develop suddenly? 

Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear quickly in children and adolescents. Symptoms may appear within a few hours or days. For adults with type 1 diabetes, they may not see any symptoms of this disease for several days or weeks.

Can someone have diabetes in their twenties? 

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can develop at any age. Common symptoms of diabetes include blurry vision, fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet and unexplained weight changes, .

What are five common symptoms of prediabetes? 

Prediabetes typically doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, some people may experience darkened skin on their neck, armpits and groin as a result of insulin resistance.

Is type 2 diabetes reversible? 

Type 2 diabetes can go into remission if blood sugar levels are controlled and brought into normal ranges without medication. Engaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet can be crucial to controlling blood sugar levels in many cases.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.