5 diabetes symptoms that may show up at night
Some symptoms of diabetes can become particularly noticeable overnight, but none of these symptoms alone proves that you have diabetes.
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Frequent nighttime urination — High blood glucose can cause the kidneys to excrete more glucose and water, increasing urination.
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Unusual thirst or dry mouth — Fluid loss from frequent urination can leave you thirsty or dehydrated.
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Night sweats or waking shaky — In someone taking insulin or certain diabetes medicines, these can be signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
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Tingling, burning, or numb feet — Diabetes-related nerve damage can cause symptoms that are particularly bothersome at night.
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Poor sleep or repeated waking — Thirst, urination, itching, neuropathy, or blood-glucose fluctuations can interfere with sleep.
When to get checked
If you repeatedly have excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, unusual fatigue, or blurred vision, arrange a medical evaluation and blood-glucose testing.
If someone with diabetes becomes confused, has a seizure, loses consciousness, or cannot safely swallow, treat it as an emergency.
Bottom line: Nighttime symptoms can sometimes be clues to diabetes, but they have many other causes. A blood-glucose test—not symptoms alone—is needed to diagnose diabetes.
