There are two main types of diabetes, but the symptoms are much the same in either one of them. Type 1 diabetes occurs when insulin-producing cells are destroyed. Type 2 happens when cells become resistant to insulin. Both of these cause too much glucose in the blood and a drastic decrease in the cells. The most common type of diabetes is the second type.

The Common Symptoms of Diabetes

An excessive production of urine and being thirsty all the time is usually the first problem that is seen. When someone has diabetes, the kidneys cannot filter the high amount of glucose they receive so they take water from the blood to dilute it. Because of this, the bladder gets full faster and the lack of water in the blood causes thirst.

Sudden, extreme weight loss occurs when a person has type 1 diabetes. When someone suddenly loses weight like this, especially when they have not been trying to do so, it can be an indication that the cells are not getting the energy they need from glucose and so they take what they need from muscle and fat tissue. This happens very suddenly in type 1 diabetes. Because of the gradual nature of the second type, it is less noticeable.

A person with diabetes will have unexplained fatigue and will feel weak. Because of the lack of glucose in the cells, they are not getting enough energy. You don't feel energetic because your cells aren't getting energy.

Neuropathy occurs over time and is first experienced as a tingling or numbness in the extremities of the body. The hands and feet are most commonly affected. If the problem is type 2 diabetes, the symptoms come on gradually and so it can take some time before it is reported to a doctor. If a diagnosis is made early enough, the problem can be helped. Diabetes type 1 is most often caused by genetics. Diabetes type 2 can be genetic but it is also caused by obesity. A predisposition for diabetes coupled with one or more of these symptoms show an immediate need for testing.