“Silent signs of diabetes” is a catchy headline, but there is some truth behind it: Type 2 Diabetes can develop gradually, and many people have few obvious symptoms at first.
Some signs that can be easy to overlook include:
- Increased thirst and drinking more than usual
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Unusual fatigue or low energy
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Frequent infections (such as skin, gum, or urinary tract infections)
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Unexplained weight loss despite eating normally
- Darkened patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits, or groin (a condition called acanthosis nigricans)
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not specific to diabetes. Many other conditions can cause similar problems, and some people with diabetes have no symptoms at all.
Who should consider getting tested?
Testing is worth discussing with a healthcare professional if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are overweight or obese
- Have high blood pressure
- Have a history of gestational diabetes
- Notice several of the symptoms above
Bottom line
The only way to know whether diabetes is present is through testing, such as blood glucose or HbA1c measurements. Symptoms can provide clues, but they cannot diagnose diabetes on their own.
If you’re concerned about specific symptoms, I can help you understand whether they fit the pattern of diabetes or suggest another condition.
