Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes doesn't always present itself with obvious symptoms. Things can develop gradually, with many subtle signs that can easily go overlooked. Whether you have risk factors or a genetic history, knowing what to watch for is one of your most powerful tools. Here, we'll look at some of the early warning signs and symptoms of diabetes and when to schedule a doctor's appointment.

Why Are Early Symptoms of Diabetes Overlooked?

People with diabetes may not recognize early warning signs because they're common symptoms of several different conditions, and even aging in general. They can be subtle, nonspecific, and easy to put off as a side effect of a busy schedule or a long night.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms typically appear much faster than symptoms of type 2 diabetes, but that's not always the case. When symptoms develop gradually, people may also naturally adjust to them without realizing something is wrong. Additionally, symptoms may not always appear together, making it harder to see a pattern. This is why proactive health screenings with your doctor are important, especially if you have any risk factors.

Risk Factors of Diabetes

Several things can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or any other type of diabetes. Some of the most common include:

• Having a parent or sibling with diabetes
• Being overweight or carrying excess body fat around the abdomen
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Are 45 or older
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• Diagnosed with prediabetes
• Have had gestational diabetes during one or more pregnancies
• Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Smoking
• You are African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander

If you have any of the above risk factors, it's important to work with your doctor to take a proactive approach to your health and be diligent about regular blood glucose screenings.

Common Early Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes doesn't always come with bold, unmistakable signs. Many of the earliest symptoms are easily overlooked or chalked up to stress or aging. But the earlier you notice these warning signs, the sooner you can take action to manage your blood sugar and protect your long-term health. Here's what to look for:

Frequent Urination

High blood sugar levels force your kidneys to work overtime to filter and remove excess glucose. This extra effort pulls water from your body, leading to increased urination, also called polyuria. It can be noticeable both during the day and at night. So, if you're suddenly feeling like you need to urinate more often without changing fluid intake, it's probably best to schedule a doctor's appointment.

Excessive Thirst

As your body loses more fluids through urination, you'll likely feel thirstier than usual. This isn't just typical dehydration; it’s a cycle your body creates to regulate rising blood sugar levels. If you're always reaching for something to drink and still feeling parched, it's worth paying attention to.

Increased Hunger

The same concept applies to hunger. When your body can’t use glucose effectively due to insulin resistance or lack of insulin, it might not get the energy it needs. This can result in persistent hunger, even after meals.

Fatigue and Weakness

As mentioned, without enough insulin or when insulin isn’t working properly, your body struggles to convert glucose into energy. The result? You may feel unusually tired, sluggish, or mentally foggy, even with adequate sleep. This type of fatigue tends to be more constant and harder to shake.

Blurry Vision

High blood sugar can also pull fluid from the lenses of your eyes, causing them to swell and affecting your ability to focus. If you’ve noticed blurry or fluctuating vision, it could be more than just strain, so it's best to schedule an appointment with your doctor or an ophthalmologist.

Slow Healing of Wounds and Frequent Infections

Elevated blood glucose can affect circulation and weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to heal cuts, scrapes, or bruises. You might also notice more frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, skin infections, or gum problems. Although these could be diabetes symptoms, they can also indicate other common conditions, so getting a proper diagnosis is essential.

Unexplained Weight Loss

This is more common in type 1 diabetes, but it can also occur in some cases of type 2 diabetes. When your body can't use glucose for energy, it starts breaking down fat and muscle instead. If you’re losing weight without changing your diet or activity level, it’s important to see your doctor. Even if this isn't a symptom of type 1 or 2 diabetes, it could indicate that something else is happening.

Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet

Although this is often a later symptom, high glucose levels can damage nerves over time, resulting in neuropathy. Early warning signs include tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation, especially in your hands, feet, fingers, or toes.

Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin, particularly on the lower legs or arms, can be related to poor circulation or dehydration caused by high blood sugar. In some cases, it may also be linked to skin infections or yeast overgrowth, which are more common in people with diabetes. Again, a proper diagnosis is important, as itchy skin can also be as simple as dry skin caused by environmental factors or a contact allergen.

Dark Patches of Skin

If you notice velvety, darker areas of skin along the neck, armpits, or groin, they could indicate insulin resistance. While not harmful on their own, they can be one of the earliest indicators of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

Irritability or Mood Changes

Finally, blood sugar fluctuations can affect your mood and mental clarity. So, if you're feeling unusually irritable, anxious, or emotionally sensitive, it could be tied to unstable glucose levels, especially when paired with other physical symptoms. However, it's normal for people to experience irritability or mood changes without any diabetes risk, so this is more of a secondary symptom to be aware of.

Tips for Prevention and Early Action

While some risk factors for diabetes (like age and family history) can’t be changed, there are some things you can do to help lower your risk. Making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle and staying aware of early warning signs can go a long way in protecting your long-term health. Here are some simple but effective steps to take:

• Know Your Risk Factors: Understand your family history, lifestyle habits, and health conditions that could increase your risk of diabetes.
• Get Regular Checkups: Routine screenings, including fasting blood glucose or A1C tests, can catch problems early, even before symptoms appear.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a small amount of weight (5–7% of your body weight) can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as walking, biking, or swimming.
• Choose a Balanced Diet: To stabilize blood sugar, focus on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods.
• Cut Back on Sugar and Processed Carbs: Limit sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and refined grains that can spike glucose levels.
• Monitor Symptoms: Don’t ignore signs like fatigue, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss; track them and talk to your doctor.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases insulin resistance and is a significant risk factor for diabetes and other chronic conditions.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can affect hormones and blood sugar regulation; consider relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Follow Up if You Had Gestational Diabetes: Women who had diabetes during pregnancy should be tested regularly postpartum, as they have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.

When to See Your Doctor

Recognizing the early signs of diabetes can make a big difference in your long-term health and prognosis. And, while some of these may seem subtle at first, they can be your body's way of telling you that something's off. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor. The earlier you diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, the better you can manage it.

If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Byram Healthcare is here to support you with a full range of diabetes care supplies delivered right to your door. From test strips to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, Byram carries a wide range of diabetes products that can help make management simpler and more accessible. Contact us today to learn more.