Diabetes mellitus can develop gradually, and some people may have high blood sugar for a long time before they are diagnosed. These are common warning signs that may be linked to diabetes (though they can also occur with other conditions):
- Frequent urination
- Especially waking up at night to urinate.
- Increased thirst
- Feeling unusually thirsty even after drinking fluids.
- Increased hunger
- Feeling hungry often, even after eating.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Losing weight without trying can occur when the body cannot use glucose properly.
- Feeling very tired
- High blood sugar can affect how the body uses energy.
- Blurred vision
- Changes in blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye.
- Slow-healing cuts or frequent infections
- High blood sugar can affect the body’s ability to fight infections and repair tissue.
Other possible clues include tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, itchy skin, or repeated skin/urinary infections.
If you have several of these symptoms—especially with risk factors like family history, excess weight, high blood pressure, or a history of gestational diabetes—consider getting a blood sugar test such as fasting glucose or HbA1c from a healthcare professional.
