Symptoms of Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational

Key points

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes often develop slowly, and both can start with few or no symptoms.
• Gestational diabetes usually has no symptoms; your doctor should test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• Knowing the symptoms helps you manage your health and prevent complications.

Common symptoms (type 1 and type 2)

• frequent urination
• increased thirst and hunger
• losing weight without trying
• fatigue
• feeling irritable or moody
• blurry vision
• frequent urinary tract or yeast infections

See testing for diabetes.

Type 1

Early on there are no symptoms. As type 1 progresses, symptoms can appear suddenly — within weeks or months — and be severe, adding:

• nausea and vomiting;
• stomach pain;
• diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Type 1 is often diagnosed in childhood but can start at any age. In children, unexplained bed-wetting or more accidents can be a sign — watch bathroom habits if your child is at risk. See just diagnosed with type 1.

Type 2

Type 2 symptoms often take years to develop, and some people notice none. It usually starts in adults, though more children and teens are getting it — so knowing the risk factors matters. Symptoms more common in type 2:

• cuts, sores or wounds that heal very slowly;
• dark patches of skin around the neck, armpits or groin;
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes — diabetes during pregnancy — usually has no symptoms, which is why testing at 24–28 weeks matters. Healthy eating and activity can help protect you and your baby; if not enough, your doctor may prescribe medicine.

Sources

Based on "Symptoms of Diabetes," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.