Many people diagnosed with diabetes experience no signs or symptoms and do not find out they have the disease until complications appear (blurry vision or heart trouble). Symptoms of diabetes may also be so mild that they are not even noticeable. And some people can manifest symptoms of diabetes but do not suspect diabetes as the cause of these signs.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms are usually very obvious and develop quickly, usually over a few weeks.  If not diagnosed and treated with insulin, a person with type 1 diabetes can lapse into a life-threatening diabetic coma, also known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Type 2 Diabetes
Unlike type 1 diabetes, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. The onset of type 2 symptoms is not sudden and the symptoms themselves are not obvious or may even be non-existent. In fact, when Diabetes type 2 is in the hidden-latent phase, it is detectable only by oral glucose tolerance test-oGTT. Older people may credit the symptoms with aging. Taking early action is key so if any of the following symptoms apply to you, ask your family doctor for a test.

Diabetes symptoms
You may experience one or more of these signs of diabetes or you may have no signs at all.  Symptoms of diabets often develop in the following order:

• increased thirst
• frequent urination, especially at night
• increased hunger
• losing weight without trying
• genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
• sores that do not heal or that heal slowly
• blurred vision
• dry, itchy skin
• extreme fatigue or tiredness
• tingling or numbness of the feet

When to seek help
Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the diabetes symptoms listed above, see your doctor right away.  Diabetes symptoms can be quickly relieved once the diabetes is diagnosed.  

Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.  Early treatment will also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems. To learn more about how to diagnose diabetes types, read the "Diagnosing Diabetes" section now.