The different types of diabetes have similar symptoms, as they do for the different age groups including teenage diabetes, but symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to develop very quickly, while those associated with type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Consequently many people with type 2 diabetes have the condition long before they are diagnosed because the symptoms are fairly general and people do not necessarily realise that something is wrong with them.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop quickly, over the course of a few days; they include:
● Unquenchable thirst
● Dry mouth
● Weight loss
● Loss of muscle mass
● Urinating frequently
● Cramps
● Constipation
● Skin infections
● Recurrent episodes of thrush
● Blurred vision and dry eyes
People with type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin and this means that their body cannot regulate blood glucose levels; as a result, glucose levels may drop and this is known as hypoglycaemia. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:
● Sweating
● Tingling lips
● Hunger
● Weakness
● Nausea
● Feeling shaky
● Becoming irritated easily
Type 2 diabetes symptoms
Many people with type 2 diabetes experience symptoms but do not go to their doctor because the symptoms are general and they are not specific to diabetes. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
● A constant thirst
● Going to the toilet frequently, especially during the night
● Weight loss
● Feeling very tired
● Losing weight and muscle tone
Less common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
● Blurred vision
● Itchiness around the genitals
● Recurrent bouts of thrush
● Longer healing time for cuts
Type 2 diabetes prevents the body from being able to control blood glucose and this means that blood sugar levels can become very high; this is known as hyperglycaemia. Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:
● Extreme thirst
● Blurred vision
● Drowsiness
● Frequent need to urinate
● Dry mouth
