9 Commonly Seen Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms

Diabetes mellitus symptoms are caused by high blood glucose (blood sugar). They vary from person to person, and many people with type 2 diabetes have mild symptoms or none at all.

Symptoms may be mild or severe. Why these symptoms appeared?

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, so the body makes little or none. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the body doesn't make enough insulin and doesn't respond well to it (insulin resistance). In both cases, glucose builds up in the blood.

Insulin is the hormone that lowers blood glucose. It helps move glucose from the blood into body cells such as muscle, fat and liver cells.

Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells, and the liver stores extra glucose as glycogen. Without enough insulin, or when insulin doesn't work well, glucose stays in the blood and diabetes mellitus develops. Over time, high blood glucose can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear quickly, over a few weeks to a few months. Type 1 is often diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can start at any age.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms usually develop slowly, over several years. Type 2 most often starts in adulthood, and the risk rises with age, but children and teens can get it too, according to the NIDDK.

Too little insulin action, high blood glucose and cells starved of energy together cause the signs and symptoms of diabetes. If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor for a simple blood test.

Early Diabetes Mellitus symptoms

1- Increased thirst

Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a classic diabetes symptom. When blood glucose is high, the kidneys pass extra glucose into the urine, drawing water with it. The fluid loss makes you thirsty.

2- Increased hunger

Increased hunger (polyphagia) is an early diabetes mellitus symptom. Because glucose can't get into cells properly, the body's cells are short of energy, and you may feel hungry even after eating.

3- Dry mouth

Frequent urination and fluid loss can leave your body dehydrated and your mouth dry.

4- Frequent urination or infections

High blood glucose makes the kidneys pass more urine (polyuria). People with diabetes are also more likely to get frequent infections, such as urinary tract and yeast infections, and to have cuts or sores that heal slowly.

5- Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss can happen even though you are eating well and feel hungry. It is especially common in type 1 diabetes, because the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy.

6- Fatigue, tired

When cells can't use glucose properly, you may feel tired and low in energy. Fatigue is a common diabetes symptom.

7- Blurred vision

High blood glucose can cause fluid shifts that make the lens of the eye swell, which can blur vision. This often improves once blood glucose is under control.

Over the long term, diabetes can also damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy). Regular eye exams are important.

8- Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-term high blood glucose. It is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It usually affects the feet and legs first, then sometimes the hands and arms, and symptoms are often worse at night.

It may include:

• Tingling sensation
• Pains or sharp cramps
• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
• Muscles weakness
• Increased sensitivity to touch stimulus

9- Diabetic Ketoacidosis

When the body doesn't have enough insulin, it breaks down fat for energy and makes ketones. High ketone levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

DKA is a medical emergency. Signs include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fruity-smelling breath, trouble breathing and extreme tiredness. Some people with type 1 diabetes first learn they have it when they develop DKA.

Get emergency care right away if you have these symptoms.

Sources

• Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes, NIDDK
• Diabetes Symptoms, CDC