People with diabetes need to look out for these less common symptoms, even if they already have a diagnosis and treatment plan. These symptoms could suggest that their blood sugar is not under control. Additionally, some symptoms develop so gradually that they can be missed.
This article explores 10 less common symptoms of diabetes.
Excessive Hunger
The body uses sugar from the foods we eat to make fuel for cells. Insulin is a hormone that takes sugar out of the blood so that cells can use it for energy. When insulin is inadequate, the sugar stays in the blood instead of being used for energy. As a result, individuals with uncontrolled or undiagnosed high blood sugar may feel increasingly hungry (polyphagia) as the body attempts to signal for more fuel for cells.
Sudden Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss is more common in children with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, primarily if it occurs with other symptoms like bedwetting, increased hunger, and increased thirst.
Weight loss is less common in patients with type 2 diabetes since this condition usually develops more gradually and is often linked to people with obesity or who are overweight. However, sudden weight loss could suggest problems with blood sugar. About 10% of people living with diabetes are normal or underweight.
Tingling in Hands and Feet
Chronic high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the hands and feet, leading to peripheral neuropathy. The condition affects more than half of all people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy usually starts as numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. If left untreated, it may progress to muscle weakness, burning or stabbing pain, and loss of sensation. It is usually worse at night. Reduced sensation may increase injury risk.
Mood Swings
High and low blood sugar can cause mood swings or irritability. When the brain doesn’t get the glucose it needs, it can cause difficulty in making decisions, sadness, and anxiety.
Long-term uncontrolled blood sugar can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the brain, ultimately affecting memory and learning; weight gain; and hormone changes, and it even increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Slow-Healing Wounds
High blood sugar can affect the immune system and circulation, making it more difficult for wounds to heal. Diabetes can damage blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to reach organs and tissues. High blood sugar can also impact the immune system, so fewer immune-fighting cells can respond to cuts or infections.
Some people with diabetes have reduced sensation in their feet and legs, making them more prone to injury. Some may not feel a cut or injury immediately, leading to infection or further injury if the wound goes untreated.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in uncontrolled high blood sugar patients for three main reasons:
High blood sugar levels in urine make it more likely that bacteria will grow. High blood sugar levels in the blood impact immune function. High blood sugar levels lead to damage to the nerves in and around the bladder, so urine may remain in the bladder longer, allowing bacteria to grow and spread more easily.
Additionally, UTIs are more difficult to treat and may lead to more serious complications in patients with high blood sugar.
Yeast Infections
Yeast and other fungal infections are more common in people with diabetes. This is because sugar helps yeast grow, and people with high blood sugar usually have higher sugar levels in their sweat, saliva, and urine.
Yeast thrives in areas that are dark and moist, which means that people with diabetes are more likely to develop problems with yeast infections in their mouth, genitals, between their toes, or under their breasts.
Fruity-Smelling Breath
Fruity-smelling breath is a dangerous symptom in patients with type 1 diabetes.
When there is not enough insulin, the body cannot convert sugar in the blood into glucose, which the body uses for fuel. Without glucose, the body starts using fat as fuel in a process known as ketosis. As ketones are released into the blood, they may begin poisoning the person.
This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal if left untreated. Fruity-smelling breath is a reason to call your healthcare provider immediately, especially if it occurs with other symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and confusion.
Dark Skin Around the Neck
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition involving dark, thickened skin patches. It usually develops in skin fold areas, like under the arms, around the neck, and in the groin area. Research suggests that acanthosis nigricans is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Blurry Vision
High blood sugar can damage small blood vessels in nerves in the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. Without treatment, vision changes related to uncontrolled blood sugar can even lead to blindness.
Diabetes can affect different structures in the eyes. Sometimes, the change may affect only one eye. Other changes to look out for include:
Wavy lines at the center of the field of vision Washed out or faded colors Floaters (spots or strings floating in your vision) Dark or empty spaces in your vision Eye pain or pressure Headaches Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights Tunnel vision Blind spots
Summary
Early symptoms of diabetes can be missed or mistaken for other conditions. Uncommon symptoms include mood swings, increased fungal or urinary tract infections, and blurred vision, among others. Symptoms like tingling or numbness in the feet, slow wound healing, or fruity breath may also suggest that patients diagnosed with diabetes may not have their blood sugar under control.
A Word From Verywell
Early recognition of symptoms and swift intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes for people in the early stages of diabetes. If you experience new symptoms like blurry vision, dark skin around the neck, or unexplained mood swings, it’s worth speaking with your healthcare provider. While diabetes and prediabetes can be challenging to manage, some resources can help.
