What are the most common diabetes symptoms?
Common diabetes symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and extreme fatigue. Individuals may also experience unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores or frequent infections. In some cases, symptoms are mild and can go unnoticed, especially in type 2 diabetes. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent complications.
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Frequent thirst
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Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, is a result of high blood sugar levels that cause the body to become dehydrated. This leads to an increased need to drink fluids, especially water.
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Insomnia
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People with diabetes may experience insomnia due to fluctuating blood sugar levels, nerve pain, or stress. Poor blood sugar management can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
3
Pelvic pain
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Pelvic pain can occur due to nerve damage or complications from diabetes affecting organs like the bladder or reproductive organs. It may be a sign of diabetes-related nerve damage or infections.
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Excess sweating
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Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be a result of fluctuating blood sugar levels or autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves controlling sweating.
5
Low blood sugar
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Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can lead to dizziness, shakiness, confusion, and sweating. It can occur if diabetes medications are too strong or meals are skipped.
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Fatigue
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Chronic fatigue is common in diabetes due to high blood sugar levels preventing cells from obtaining necessary energy. Fatigue may also result from poor sleep or other complications.
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Tingling hands
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Tingling in the hands, often a sign of diabetic neuropathy, is caused by nerve damage due to high blood sugar. It can feel like pins and needles and is most noticeable at night.
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Lower back pain
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Lower back pain in diabetes may be related to nerve damage or kidney problems caused by uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Persistent pain may indicate underlying complications.
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Shoulder pain
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Shoulder pain can occur in diabetes as a result of nerve damage, poor circulation, or frozen shoulder, which is more common in people with diabetes.
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Chronic stress
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Chronic stress can exacerbate blood sugar fluctuations and increase the risk of other diabetes complications. Stress may also cause emotional and physical symptoms like irritability and fatigue.
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Elevated liver enzymes
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Elevated liver enzymes can indicate liver stress, which may result from insulin resistance or fatty liver disease, both of which are more common in people with diabetes.
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Abdominal cramping
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Abdominal cramping may be caused by changes in blood sugar levels or nerve damage to the digestive system, which affects the gut's ability to function normally.
13
High blood sugar
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Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin or use it effectively. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
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Tingling feet
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Tingling feet, like in the hands, is a symptom of diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels damage nerves, leading to a sensation of pins and needles or numbness in the feet.
15
Hunger
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Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause sudden and excessive hunger, as the body’s cells are not receiving adequate energy. This symptom is common in both high and low blood sugar levels.
16
Body pain
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General body pain may occur as a result of nerve damage, poor circulation, or muscle aches related to other diabetes complications. It may also be exacerbated by poor blood sugar control.
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Neck pain
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Neck pain in diabetes may be related to nerve damage or complications like frozen shoulder. It can also result from poor posture, which is more common in those with nerve-related pain.
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Dizziness
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Dizziness can occur from either high or low blood sugar levels. It can also be a sign of dehydration, which is common in people with uncontrolled diabetes.
19
Fatigue
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(Repeated) Fatigue can be constant due to fluctuating blood sugar levels, stress, or insufficient sleep. It’s one of the most common complaints among people with diabetes.
20
Blurred vision
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High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from tissues, including the eyes. This can lead to blurred vision, which can improve once blood sugar is controlled.
21
Impaired kidney function
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Diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy. Symptoms of kidney damage may include swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles.
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Frequent urination
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Frequent urination, or polyuria, occurs when the kidneys work harder to filter excess glucose in the blood. This can lead to dehydration, increasing thirst and further urination.
23
Calluses
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Calluses on feet can develop due to poor circulation or nerve damage from diabetes. They may be painful and can lead to infection if left untreated.
24
High blood pressure when lying down
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High blood pressure when lying down may be a sign of autonomic neuropathy, which can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. It’s a serious condition in people with uncontrolled diabetes.
25
Confusion
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Confusion can occur when blood sugar levels are either too high or too low. It can affect brain function and alertness, making it difficult to think clearly or focus.
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Nausea
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Nausea can result from high blood sugar levels, diabetic ketoacidosis, or complications like gastroparesis, which affects the stomach’s ability to empty properly.
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Depression
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Depression is more common in people with diabetes due to the emotional burden of managing the condition. It can also be linked to fluctuating blood sugar levels and their effect on mood.
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Fast heartbeat
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A fast heartbeat can occur during low blood sugar episodes or as a response to stress. It may also be linked to complications such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
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Itchy scalp
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Itchy scalp can be a sign of dry skin, which is common in diabetes due to poor circulation and dehydration. It may also be related to fungal infections, which are more frequent in people with diabetes.
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Abdominal pain
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Abdominal pain in diabetes may be caused by digestive issues like gastroparesis or complications like pancreatitis. It’s essential to monitor and address abdominal discomfort promptly.
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Nerve pain
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Nerve pain, or diabetic neuropathy, is a common symptom of diabetes. It usually starts in the feet or hands and can feel like burning, tingling, or sharp stabbing pain. Over time, the pain can spread to other parts of the body.
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Feet swelling
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Feet swelling can be caused by poor circulation, kidney issues, or excessive blood sugar levels. It’s a common symptom of diabetic complications and may indicate further complications.
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Panic attacks
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Panic attacks can occur in response to low blood sugar levels, stress, or the emotional strain of living with diabetes. They are marked by symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and overwhelming fear.
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Tremors
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Tremors, or shakiness, are a common symptom of low blood sugar. It occurs as the body’s response to a drop in glucose levels, causing physical shakiness that can be intense in some cases.