What are the symptoms of diabetes?
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Symptoms of Diabetes
Common Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Polyuria and Polydipsia
One of the hallmark symptoms of diabetes is polyuria, which is frequent urination. This occurs because high blood glucose levels lead to increased glucose in the urine, which draws more water out of the body, resulting in increased urine production. Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, often accompanies polyuria as the body attempts to compensate for the loss of fluids1 3 4 7.
Weight Loss and Polyphagia
Unintentional weight loss is another common symptom, particularly in type 1 diabetes. This happens because the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy when it cannot use glucose effectively. Polyphagia, or increased hunger, can also occur as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy1 3 4 7.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is a frequent symptom of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to changes in vision. This symptom can fluctuate with blood sugar levels and may improve with better glucose control1 3 4 7.
Acute and Life-Threatening Symptoms
Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Syndrome
In cases of uncontrolled diabetes, acute and life-threatening conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) can occur. DKA is more common in type 1 diabetes and involves the buildup of ketones in the blood, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion. HHS, more common in type 2 diabetes, involves extremely high blood sugar levels without significant ketone buildup, leading to severe dehydration and altered mental status1 3 4 7.
Long-Term Complications and Symptoms
Retinopathy and Nephropathy
Long-term complications of diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss, and diabetic nephropathy, which can progress to kidney failure. These complications result from chronic hyperglycemia causing damage to small blood vessels in the eyes and kidneys1 3 4 7.
Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy, characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities, is a common complication. Autonomic neuropathy can affect various body systems, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., gastroparesis), genitourinary symptoms (e.g., bladder dysfunction), cardiovascular symptoms (e.g., orthostatic hypotension), and sexual dysfunction1 3 4 7.
Cardiovascular Disease
Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. This is due to the combined effects of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia commonly seen in diabetes1 3 4 7.
Other Symptoms
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and bloating are also prevalent among diabetic patients. These symptoms can be due to autonomic neuropathy affecting the gastrointestinal tract10.
Cognitive and Psychological Symptoms
Some patients may experience cognitive symptoms like difficulty speaking, confusion, and trouble remembering. These symptoms are less common but can significantly impact quality of life6.
Conclusion
Diabetes presents with a wide range of symptoms, from common signs like polyuria and polydipsia to severe complications such as ketoacidosis and cardiovascular disease. Early recognition and management of these symptoms are crucial for preventing long-term complications and improving patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited558-P: Association between Glucose Levels and Diabetes Symptoms
Low and high glucose levels are associated with increased severity of diabetes symptoms in people with type 1 diabetes.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus The information that follows is based largely on the reports of the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes (Diabetes Care 20:1183–1197, 1997, and Diabetes Care 26:3160–3167, 2003).
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin action and inadequate insulin secretory response, and may present for long periods without symptoms before diagnosis.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus The information that follows is based largely on the reports of the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes (Diabetes Care 20:1183–1197, 1997, and Diabetes Care 26:3160–3167, 2003).
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency, with autoimmune destruction of pancreatic b-cells as a primary cause.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCharacterization of Symptoms and Symptom Clusters for Type 2 Diabetes Using a Large Nationwide Electronic Health Record Database.
This study identified 59 type 2 diabetes-related symptoms using a large nationwide electronic health record database, including both over-represented and rare symptoms.
Observational StudyDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, with long-term damage to various organs and increased risk of complications.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGastrointestinal Symptoms in Diabetes: Prevalence, Assessment, Pathogenesis, and Management
Gastrointestinal symptoms are an important cause of morbidity in diabetes, but their prevalence, assessment, and relationship with glycemic control remain poorly defined.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited