Diabetes Symptoms

Oftentimes the onset of type 1 diabetes is sudden and someone may experience some of the following symptoms very quickly. Type 2 diabetes onset can be slow and gradual, with some people experiencing symptoms and others reporting none at all.

  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Increased hunger
  • Slow healing
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Frequent infections or slow-healing wounds
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Vomiting or stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)

Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors

Type 1 diabetes risk factors are still being researched. Having a family history of type 1 diabetes may increase someone’s risk. Exposure to certain environmental factors or viral infections are being researched as potential links to type 1 diabetes as well.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

  • Overweight/obesity
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Over the age of 45
  • High blood lipids
(cholesterol and triglycerides)
  • Little to no regular physical activity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • High blood pressure
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • Having a baby over 9 pounds
  • Ethnicity
    • African American
    • Asian American
    • Latin American
    • Native American
    • Pacific Islander
  • Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), or Prediabetes (Borderline Diabetes)

*Some people report no symptoms – get regular screenings if you are at risk