What are the first symptoms of diabetes to watch out for?

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a health condition where blood glucose (sugar) levels are abnormally high. This occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin, cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, or both. High glucose levels can accumulate in the blood over time and lead to serious health problems if left unmanaged. It is important to recognize the early symptoms of diabetes to seek timely diagnosis and treatment.

Common Diabetes Symptoms

Common symptoms of diabetes that should be watched for include [1]:

• Excessive thirst: Feeling thirsty constantly and abnormally.
• Frequent urination: Needing to urinate frequently, including waking up at night to urinate.
• Extreme hunger: Feeling very hungry even after eating.
• Fatigue and exhaustion: A persistent feeling of tiredness and lack of energy.
• Blurred vision: Vision may become blurry or unclear.
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities: A feeling of numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Slow-healing sores: Cuts or sores that take a long time to heal.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying or changing diet.

Differences in Symptoms by Diabetes Type

Initial symptoms of diabetes vary in onset and severity based on the type of diabetes [1]:

• Type 1 diabetes: Symptoms typically appear quickly and can be severe. This type often begins in childhood, but can affect any age.
• Type 2 diabetes: Symptoms often develop slowly over several years. Symptoms may be so mild that a person might not notice them at first. This is the most common form of diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes: Often presents with no symptoms at all. If symptoms appear, they may be mild. Pregnant women are usually screened for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy [1].

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if they are multiple or persistent, it is essential to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis of diabetes can help manage the condition effectively and prevent or delay serious complications [2]. The doctor will perform one or more blood tests to measure glucose levels to confirm the diagnosis, such as the Hemoglobin A1C test [1].

Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention can include extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, or a fruity-smelling breath, which may be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment [2].

Practical Steps After Symptoms Appear

After consulting a doctor and receiving a diagnosis, the healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan. This plan may include lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. The doctor may also prescribe diabetes medications, including insulin for some cases [1]. It is very important to monitor blood glucose levels regularly and adhere to the treatment plan to help keep sugar levels within the target range [2].

For comprehensive information on diagnosing, managing, and preventing complications of diabetes, you can visit Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosis, Management, and Complication Prevention (Arabic).

Medical references

• Diabetes
• Managing Diabetes