Diabetes Symptoms, Types, and Blood Sugar Levels

Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes Symptoms

Feeling constantly thirsty? Always tired? These could be early signs of diabetes, a condition that affects millions worldwide. Diabetes can sneak up silently, but recognising early-stage diabetes symptoms can make a big difference in managing your health.

Your body gives you warning signals, from frequent urination to unexpected weight loss. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, whereas early action can help you stay healthy.

In this guide, we will break down the most common diabetes symptoms in simple terms to help you understand what to look out for and when to consult a doctor. Whether you have a family history of diabetes or want to stay informed, knowing these symptoms can be a lifesaver.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way your body is able to process blood sugar, or glucose, which serves as the primary energy source for your cells. When you eat, the food breaks down food into glucose. This glucose then enters the bloodstream, where it can be used by cells for fuel. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps move glucose into cells for energy. In diabetes, this process is disrupted.

What is Pre-Diabetes and its Symptoms?

This condition occurs when blood sugar levels rise above the normal range but aren't elevated enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. It serves as a warning sign and may indicate a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future.

These beginning stages of diabetes symptoms should be considered as a warning sign for developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.

Prediabetes usually does not show noticeable symptoms. Some people may experience certain signs that indicate higher blood sugar levels.

The borderline diabetes symptoms that need immediate doctor attention and indicate a higher blood sugar level are:

● Frequent urination, especially at night

● Excessive thirst

● Unexplained weight loss

● Persistent hunger

● Blurred vision

● Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

● Extreme fatigue and irritability

● Very dry and patchy skin

● Slow-healing wounds

● Increased infections

What are the Various Types of Diabetes?

Diabetes has numerous types; some are common, while some are not. However, each type has its own distinct features.

Type 1 Diabetes

In this type, the immune system of the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas mistakenly. This leads to little or no insulin production. This type usually develops in children or young adults and requires insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes

In Type 2, the blood sugar level rises as the body either does not use insulin properly or does not produce enough. This type is more common and often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, and inactivity.

Gestational Diabetes

This condition arises during pregnancy when hormonal changes disrupt insulin’s effectiveness, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While it typically goes away after delivery, it raises the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.

If diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, which can include heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues.

Some Other Rare Types of Diabetes

In addition to the common forms of diabetes mentioned above, there are a few other variants of the disease. They are:

Type 3c Diabetes

This happens when the pancreas is damaged but not due to autoimmune causes. This affects its ability to produce insulin. Conditions like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, or hemochromatosis can cause this damage. Removing the pancreas (pancreatectomy) also leads to Type 3c diabetes.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

LADA or Late-onset type 1 diabetes symptoms develop slowly compared to typical type 1 diabetes symptoms. This autoimmune condition usually affects adults over 30, as the immune system gradually damages insulin-producing cells. Symptoms often overlap with type 2 diabetes and make diagnosis challenging.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)

MODY is a rare inherited form of diabetes caused by genetic mutations that affect insulin production and use. It runs in families and accounts for up to 5% of diabetes cases. There are over 10 subtypes of MODY.

Neonatal Diabetes

This rare form of diabetes appears in babies under 6 months old and is caused by genetic factors. Half of these cases are permanent and are known as permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus, while the other half is known as transient neonatal diabetes mellitus and may resolve temporarily but can return later.

Brittle Diabetes

A severe form of Type 1 diabetes is characterised by frequent and extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which leads to repeated hospitalisations. In rare cases, a pancreas transplant might be needed for treatment.

Diabetes Symptoms for Various Types

Here is a complete list of diabetes symptoms that are common for all and also type-specific:

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes symptoms often appear suddenly and can develop over a few days or weeks.

Juvenile Diabetes Symptoms develop really quickly and include bedwetting, unintentional weight loss, excessive thirst and hunger.
Symptoms in adults are similar to those of type 2 diabetes symptoms and often require special tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Sometimes, type 1 diabetes is first identified through diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition caused by high levels of ketones in the blood. DKA is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop slowly over time and can be easy to miss. Some people may not notice any signs, while others experience mild symptoms. In addition to common diabetes symptoms, there are other complications to watch for.

Vision problems like blurred vision or even temporary vision loss may occur due to high blood sugar levels.
Sexual health issues may differ between men and women, often caused by poor circulation and nerve damage related to diabetes.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is a severe condition linked to type 2 diabetes caused by dangerously high blood sugar and dehydration. Unlike DKA, HHS does not involve ketones.
HHS diabetes symptoms include extreme thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, confusion, hallucinations, and weakness, sometimes affecting only one side of the body.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Gestational diabetes is usually asymptomatic or has mild symptoms, like increased thirst or frequent urination. This condition raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes requires regular testing to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Type 3c Diabetes Symptoms

Type 3c diabetes often includes symptoms related to both diabetes and digestive issues. Common signs are frequent thirst, tiredness, blurred vision, and weight loss. Digestive problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or fatty stools may also occur. These symptoms are linked to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes

Managing diabetes requires maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Both high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar can cause serious health issues.

1. Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar): This occurs when blood sugar rises above normal levels due to missed medication, stress, illness, or overeating. High diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

2. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): A sudden drop in blood sugar can happen due to skipping meals, too much insulin, or intense exercise. Low diabetes symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, hunger, and confusion.

Comparing Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Experts and doctors suggest that there is not much difference between the symptoms of both types. Type 1 tends to progress faster.

● High blood sugar can cause complications like erectile dysfunction, which can occur in both types if not managed.

● Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy have pregestational diabetes. Pregnancy diabetes symptoms may differ from usual diabetes symptoms.

● Monitoring sugar levels is important as changes may occur in case you experience type 1 or 2 diabetes symptoms after pregnancy.

Distinct Diabetes Symptoms in Women and Men

Type 2 diabetes symptoms in women are unique and related to their reproductive and urinary health. Similarly, type 2 diabetes symptoms in men include some specific male sexual health and urological issues. They are as follows:

Diabetes Symptoms in Women

● Candida Infections: High blood sugar can promote yeast growth and lead to vaginal or oral thrush. Symptoms include vaginal itching, discharge, painful sex, and soreness. Oral thrush may cause a white coating inside the mouth or on the tongue.

● Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Diabetes increases UTI risk due to weakened immunity. Symptoms include painful urination, burning sensation, and cloudy or bloody urine. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections.

● Vaginal Dryness: Diabetic nerve damage may reduce sensation in the vaginal area, causing dryness and discomfort during sex.

● Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Linked to insulin resistance, PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, acne, infertility, and depression.

● Reduced Sex Drive: Nerve damage and poor blood flow can lower libido and make orgasm difficult.

● Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Insulin resistance may cause heavier or irregular periods.

Diabetes Symptoms in Men

● Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection caused by damage to blood vessels and nerves.

● Retrograde Ejaculation: Semen partially enters the bladder during ejaculation and leads to reduced or absent semen release.

● Low Testosterone: Diabetes can lower testosterone levels and cause reduced sex drive, fatigue, mood changes, and muscle loss.

● Urological Issues: These include an overactive bladder, urinary leakage, difficulty urinating, and frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

● Genital Thrush: A yeast infection causing redness, itching, unpleasant odour, and discomfort during sex due to excess sugar in urine.

● Reduced Sperm Count: Lower sperm production may make conceiving harder.

● Peyronie’s Disease: Curvature of the penis that can lead to painful intercourse.

Final Words

You can manage or reduce the risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes by following a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, fruits, and whole grains, staying active with at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, and maintaining a healthy weight can make a big difference, irrespective of diabetes symptoms.

If overweight, losing even 7% of body weight helps lower diabetes risk. In some cases, medications like metformin may help, but regular check-ups and lifestyle changes remain key to long-term health.