Detecting diabetes early is essential to starting a person
on the path to better health. Many of the signs and
symptoms of type 1 diabetes are the same as type 2
diabetes even though the reasons the person develops the
diabetes are different. This is due to the ultimate effect of
having extra glucose or sugar in the blood stream. Both
type one and type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed in all age
groups. Type 1 diabetes is usually detected in children
and young adults and type 2 diabetes usually is
diagnosed at an older age. (1) This essay is to help you
understand the signs and symptoms of diabetes and why
they occur.
As mentioned above, many of the signs and symptoms of
type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same but it is relevant
to itemize them in two separate lists. Some of the entries
will be duplicated due to the effect of extra glucose in the
blood steam. In type 1 diabetes, in some people,
extremely life threatening symptoms may be detected
very early. This is due to the fact that it is an autoimmune
disease and destroys the beta cells which produce insulin
needed to keep blood glucose stabilized. Due to the lack
of insulin, the person must learn the skills to replace
insulin the rest of their life. The onset of type 2 diabetes
usually takes more time and is insidious. It may sneak
up slowly with a gradual elevation of blood glucose over a
longer period of time.
What are the symptoms of type 1
diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes that are learned by most
professionals include polydipsia (increased extreme
thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), and polyuria
(increased urination).
Glucose or sugar in the blood stream needs insulin for
uptake into many of the cells of the body. When insulin is
not available, glucose builds up in the blood. The kidneys
which usually function to prevent glucose from leaving
the body through urination will not be able to work
properly due to the increase concentration of glucose.
Excess sugar or glucose draws fluid out from body
tissues and is excreted in the urine. This causes a
dramatic increase in urination (polyuria) which causes
dehydration. The body tries to compensate with extreme
thirst (polydipsia). The body’s cells also need to be fed
which causes extreme hunger (polyphagia). This cycle is
known by some as “starving in the land of plenty”. The
glucose is in the body but it can’t get into the cells to be
used for energy. This is an urgent dangerous situation!
It is important to know that approximately 90 percent of
children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes do not have a
family history of the disease. (2)
Signs and Symptoms of Type 1
Diabetes for quick reference
According to the JDRF (formerly called the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Fund), the signs and symptoms of type
1 diabetes must be taken very seriously. Many times the
signs and symptoms are similar to having a severe cold
or the flu. Call your doctor immediately if these are
displayed. The signs and symptoms are referenced from
the JDRF (3) If you do not have a doctor or can’t get
ahold of yours, call an urgent care center or go to the
hospital to get care.
1. Extreme thirst
2. Frequent urination
3. Sudden vision changes (increased blood glucose
causes the lens of the eye to change in shape and
swell. This causes vision changes) (4)
4. Glucose or sugar in the urine
5. An odor found on the breath that is sweet and fruity
(this is a sign that the body is using fat as energy
since the glucose is not available for the cells. The
term for this is diabetes ketoacidosis and can be life
threatening. (5)
6. Increased appetite with sudden weight loss
7. Sleepy, drowsy and lethargic (the body is not
getting enough glucose in the cells which may lead
to this symptom)(6)
8. Breathing that is heavy and labored and going into a
stupor, lethargic and perhaps unconsciousness
(these are signs of ketoacidosis. See number 5). (3)
What are the symptoms of type 2
diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is different than type 1 diabetes. It is not
an autoimmune disease and usually develops slowly. The
body still produces insulin but the insulin may not be
effectively used or is “resisted” by the cells of the body.
This is why many people with Type 2 diabetes are told
they’re “insulin resistant”. Medications may be needed to
decrease this resistance. Over time in many people with
type 2 diabetes, insulin may be needed. The body may not
be able to make enough insulin or the insulin that is made
by the body is not effective. As mentioned above, many
of the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes are the
same as type 1 diabetes because the net result is having
excessive glucose in the blood.
Signs and Symptoms of Type 2
Diabetes for quick reference
As type 2 diabetes develops gradually, many people with
type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms. It is
important to go to your physician on a regular basis to be
evaluated for diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes
Association lists the following symptoms for type 2
diabetes. (7)
If these occur, call your doctor for an evaluation. Refer to
the type 1 diabetes list of signs and symptoms for the
reasoning of some of the symptoms. In some cases, they
are the same because of the net result of increased
glucose in the blood.
1. Extreme thirst
2. Frequent Urination
3. Weight change (for type 2 this could be a weight
loss as in type 1 or a weight gain. People with type 2
diabetes increase their resistance to insulin when
they gain weight. This will decrease the ability of
cells in the body to use insulin and the result is an
increased blood glucose.)
4. Fatigue
5. Vision changes and blurring of vision
6. Frequent infections (bacteria tends to thrive when
blood glucose is high, this may include urinary tract
infections and yeast infections)
7. Wounds and cuts that take a long time to heal
8. Tingling and numbness in the extremities (fingers
and feet) High blood glucose over time can lead to
damage to the nerves. This is a type of neuropathy
common in diabetes.
9. In men, trouble with erections. See my past blogs
on erectile dysfunction and diabetes .
As you can see, it is important to know the signs and
symptoms of diabetes. Do not delay in calling your
physician if you think you may have diabetes. The only
way to be sure is to be tested. Talk to your health care
team and get further guidance about this very important
issue. If there are signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes,
treat this as a medical emergency. Get help immediately!
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