To know if you have diabetes, watch for common symptoms such as:
- Increased thirst and dry mouth
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Feeling very hungry even if you are eating enough
- Unintentional weight loss
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- Itchy or dry skin
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet (more common in type 2)
- Genital itching or thrush infections
These symptoms can develop quickly in type 1 diabetes or more gradually in type 2 diabetes, sometimes going unnoticed for years
. If you notice these symptoms, the only way to confirm diabetes is through medical testing. Common tests include:
- A1C test (measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months)
- Fasting plasma glucose test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
If you experience symptoms or are at risk (family history, obesity, age), see a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing
. In summary, monitor for the key symptoms listed above and seek medical testing to know for sure if you have diabetes. Early diagnosis helps manage the condition and prevent complications.
