5 Diabetes Symptoms That May Be More Noticeable at Night
Nighttime symptoms can sometimes occur with diabetes, but none of these symptoms alone proves that you have diabetes. A blood-glucose test is needed for diagnosis.
Frequent nighttime urination — High blood glucose can cause the kidneys to excrete more glucose and water, increasing urination.
Excessive thirst or a dry mouth — Fluid loss from frequent urination can make you unusually thirsty.
Night sweats or shakiness — In someone taking insulin or certain diabetes medications, low blood sugar during sleep can cause sweating, trembling, a racing heart, or nightmares.
Restless or disrupted sleep — Blood-sugar fluctuations, frequent urination, thirst, or nighttime hypoglycemia can interfere with sleep.
Tingling, burning, or pain in the feet — Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause symptoms that become particularly noticeable when you’re resting at night.
When to get checked
If you’re repeatedly waking to urinate, experiencing unusual thirst, or having unexplained nighttime sweating or shakiness, it’s worth discussing these symptoms with a healthcare professional and having your blood glucose checked.
Seek urgent medical care for severe confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms of very low or very high blood sugar.
