Early Warning Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn’t Ignore
There aren’t secret diabetes symptoms that “most doctors don’t know.” In fact, prediabetes and early type 2 diabetes often cause no noticeable symptoms at all. That’s why blood-sugar testing is much more reliable than trying to identify subtle signs.
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Possible warning signs
Urinating more often, especially if this is a new change.
Unusual thirst or drinking much more than usual.
Increased hunger despite eating normally.
Unexplained weight loss.
Persistent fatigue or weakness.
Blurred vision.
Cuts or sores that heal slowly.
Repeated infections, including urinary, skin, or yeast infections.
Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands can occur with diabetes-related nerve damage, although it isn’t usually an early symptom.
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The important “hidden” sign: no symptoms
You can have prediabetes for years without obvious symptoms. Risk is higher with factors such as being overweight, being 45 or older, having a close family member with type 2 diabetes, or being physically inactive.
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How to actually find out
A blood test is much more useful than symptoms:
Test Normal Prediabetes Diabetes
A1C <5.7% 5.7–6.4% ≥6.5%
Fasting glucose ≤99 mg/dL 100–125 ≥126 mg/dL
A diabetes diagnosis generally requires confirmation with another abnormal test, unless there are clear symptoms and appropriate diagnostic circumstances.
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Don’t wait for symptoms if you’re at increased risk. Finding prediabetes early gives you an opportunity to delay or prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.
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If you have very high blood sugar with vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, rapid/deep breathing, or severe dehydration, seek urgent medical care.
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