Diabetes Symptoms Vary by Type: How to Recognize the Signs

More than 11 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. While the disease is common, many people don’t realize it is the nation’s seventh-leading cause of death. Recognizing diabetes symptoms early is essential to protecting your health, preventing complications, and maintaining overall vitality.

Diabetes affects everyone differently, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of diabetes a person has. Understanding the signs—whether you’re at risk for prediabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes—can help you take action early and work with your healthcare team to prevent serious health consequences.

It’s especially important for Black communities, which face higher rates of type 2 diabetes and related complications. According to the CDC, Black adults are nearly twice as likely as White adults to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and they are also at increased risk for diabetes-related complications such as kidney disease, stroke, and vision loss. Awareness and early intervention are key to reducing these disparities.

Understanding Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the body’s ability to convert food into energy, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Normally, when you eat, food is broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose for energy.

In people with diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the cells become resistant to its effects. Left untreated, diabetes can cause serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, nerve and kidney damage, vision loss, and slow-healing wounds.

Common diabetes symptoms across all types can include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Persistent hunger, even after eating
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Unexplained weight loss
Slow-healing cuts or infections

However, it’s important to know that diabetes symptoms can vary according to the type of diabetes.

Prediabetes Symptoms

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Often, prediabetes shows no obvious symptoms, but some people may notice darkened patches of skin (a condition called acanthosis nigricans) on the neck, armpits, or groin.

“Prediabetes blood glucose levels fall in a lower range than diabetes, so it’s a good time for a person to develop healthy lifestyle habits to prevent progression,” says Patricia Abernathy, a certified diabetes care and education specialist at Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago.

Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight are critical at this stage. Early intervention can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, often develops in children, teens, or young adults, though it can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5–10 percent of all diabetes cases.

Common Type 1 diabetes symptoms include:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Constant hunger
Blurred vision
Extreme fatigue
Slow-healing cuts or bruises
Unexplained weight loss

There is currently no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, and management relies on insulin therapy, lifestyle support, and regular monitoring of blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and develops when the body cannot effectively use insulin, leading to excess sugar in the bloodstream. Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually and may be preventable through lifestyle measures.

Common Type 2 diabetes symptoms can include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased hunger
Unintended weight loss
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Fatigue
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Darkened skin in areas such as the armpits or neck

Black adults are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes, and higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and access barriers to care contribute to this disparity. Regular screening, healthy eating, physical activity, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce risk.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

“Gestational diabetes is diagnosed in the second or third trimester during pregnancy for a person who did not have diabetes before the pregnancy and is related to the pregnancy,” Abernathy shares. It occurs when hormonal changes disrupt insulin regulation. Risk factors include being overweight, having a BMI over 25, or having a family history of diabetes.

Some pregnant women may experience:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Fatigue
Nausea

Gestational diabetes often has no obvious symptoms, which is why regular prenatal screening is essential. Left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

Why Early Detection Matters

Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes and informing your healthcare provider promptly is key to early diagnosis and effective management. Early intervention can prevent or delay serious complications, especially for people at higher risk, such as Black adults and those with a family history of diabetes.

Proactive steps include:

Regular blood sugar screenings, particularly if you have risk factors
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Engaging in regular physical activity
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use

Living Well with Diabetes

While diabetes is a serious condition, people with diabetes can lead full, healthy lives. Managing your blood sugar, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential components of care.

For Black communities, increasing awareness of diabetes risk and symptoms is very important. Education, access to care, and culturally informed lifestyle guidance can help reduce disparities and improve outcomes.

If you notice any unusual signs or diabetes symptoms, don’t wait—speak with your healthcare provider. Early detection and proactive management are the best ways to protect your health and prevent complications.

For more information, visit the CDC’s Diabetes Basics page.

By Jessica Daniels, BDO Staff Writer | Published September 1, 2023