Symptoms and the development of symptoms

In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to develop rapidly, over a couple of weeks, and are more severe. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly and are usually milder.

Common symptoms of both types of diabetes are:

• increased thirst
• passing water frequently, especially at night
• tiredness and fatigue
• loss of weight
• genital itching or recurrent thrush

In type 1 diabetes, less common symptoms are:

• cramps
• constipation
• blurred vision
• recurrent skin infection

In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may go unnoticed for years, and only when complications of diabetes - such as foot ulceration or blurred vision occur - is diabetes diagnosed. Remember that all the symptoms may not be present. Whenever any of these symptoms arise, it's important to be tested for diabetes.