In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to develop rapidly, over a couple of weeks, and are more severe. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly and are usually milder.
Common symptoms of both types of diabetes are:
increased thirst
passing water frequently, especially at night
tiredness and fatigue
loss of weight
genital itching or recurrent thrush
In type 1 diabetes, less common symptoms are:
cramps
constipation
blurred vision
recurrent skin infections
In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may go unnoticed for years
In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may go unnoticed for years, and only when complications of diabetes - such as foot ulceration or blurred vision occur - is diabetes diagnosed. Remember that all the symptoms may not be present. Whenever any of these symptoms arise, it's important to be tested for diabetes.
Diabetes may be detected in a routine urine test where excess glucose is present. In type 1 diabetes, people often develop symptoms over a few weeks. They may feel thirsty all the time and need to urinate a lot, and they may feel tired and lose weight.
A blood test that measures the level of glucose in the blood will confirm whether or not the underlying cause is diabetes.