Understanding the early warning signs of diabetes can make a meaningful difference in how you manage your long-term health. So, what are 10 warning signs of diabetes? The most commonly recognised symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight changes, blurred vision, slow wound healing, frequent infections, tingling in the hands or feet, darkened skin patches, and increased hunger. These signs can develop gradually, often going unnoticed for months or even years. Awareness of what are the symptoms of diabetes — and how they may differ between men and women — is the first step towards proactive metabolic health monitoring.
What Are the 10 Warning Signs of Diabetes?
Recognising the signs and symptoms of diabetes early is an important part of staying informed about your wellbeing. Below are the ten common symptoms of diabetes that are worth paying attention to.
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria) — When blood sugar levels remain elevated, the kidneys work harder to filter excess glucose, resulting in more frequent trips to the bathroom. This is often one of the first signs of diabetes that people notice.
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia) — As the body loses more fluid through urination, it triggers a cycle of persistent thirst. Drinking large amounts of water without feeling fully hydrated can be an early indicator.
- Extreme Fatigue — When glucose cannot be efficiently used for energy, persistent tiredness becomes a daily challenge. This kind of fatigue is often described as a heaviness that rest alone does not relieve.
- Unexplained Weight Changes — Sudden weight loss or gain without dietary changes may signal that the body is not properly processing glucose. Weight loss, in particular, can occur when the body starts breaking down muscle and fat for fuel.
- Blurred Vision — High blood sugar can cause fluid shifts in the lens of the eye, temporarily affecting focus. Persistent or recurring blurriness should not be dismissed.
- Slow Wound Healing — Elevated glucose levels can impair circulation and the body's natural healing processes, meaning cuts, bruises, and minor injuries take noticeably longer to resolve.
- Frequent Infections — Recurring urinary tract infections, skin infections, or oral thrush may be associated with elevated blood sugar. The immune response can become less efficient when glucose balance is disrupted.
- Tingling in Hands and Feet — Numbness, pins and needles, or a burning sensation in the extremities can occur when prolonged high blood sugar begins to affect nerve function.
- Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) — Velvety, darkened areas of skin, particularly around the neck, armpits, or groin, can be an outward indicator of insulin resistance.
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia) — Despite eating regularly, persistent hunger may occur because the body's cells are unable to absorb glucose effectively, leaving you feeling unsatisfied after meals.
These early signs of diabetes can appear individually or in combination. Keeping a personal log of any changes you notice can be a helpful step towards understanding your metabolic health.
Is Peeing a Lot a Sign of Diabetes?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: is peeing a lot a sign of diabetes? The short answer is that frequent urination is indeed one of the hallmark indicators of elevated blood sugar.
When glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, the kidneys attempt to remove the excess through urine. This process draws additional water from the body's tissues, leading to increased urine production. As a result, you may find yourself needing the bathroom far more often — including during the night.
This fluid loss also explains why does diabetes make you thirsty. The cycle of urination and dehydration creates a persistent feeling of dryness that drinking water only temporarily relieves. If you're experiencing both of these symptoms when your sugar is high, monitoring your blood glucose through a simple blood test can offer clarity.
What Does Diabetes Fatigue Feel Like?
Many people wonder what does diabetes fatigue feel like, and it is often quite different from ordinary tiredness. Rather than the kind of exhaustion that follows a busy day, diabetes-related fatigue tends to feel like a deep, persistent heaviness — both physically and mentally.
When glucose cannot enter the cells efficiently, the body is essentially running without its primary fuel source. This can result in brain fog, difficulty concentrating, muscle weakness, and a constant desire to rest. Even after a full night's sleep, you may wake feeling unrefreshed.
This type of fatigue is one of the most overlooked early symptoms of diabetes. Because tiredness is so common in everyday life, it's easy to attribute it to stress or poor sleep. However, when fatigue is combined with other metabolic indicators, it may point to undiagnosed diabetes symptoms that deserve attention through preventive screening.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Women
While many diabetes indicators are universal, symptoms of diabetes in women can include additional presentations that are often under-discussed. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause can influence blood sugar regulation, sometimes masking the early signs of diabetes in women.
Diabetes symptoms women may experience include:
- Recurring vaginal yeast infections or thrush
- Urinary tract infections that keep returning
- Menstrual irregularities or changes in cycle length
- Low mood or irritability linked to blood sugar swings
- Unexplained changes in skin texture or pigmentation
These signs of diabetes in women can sometimes be attributed to hormonal causes alone, which is why blood testing plays an important role in offering a clearer metabolic picture. Awareness of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in women is especially relevant for those with a family history, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a history of gestational diabetes.
Diabetes Symptoms in Men
Similarly, diabetes symptoms men may experience can extend beyond the classic warning signs. Metabolic disruption can affect multiple body systems, with some effects being more commonly reported by men.
Key type 2 diabetes symptoms in men may include:
- Reduced energy levels and motivation
- Erectile dysfunction or changes in sexual health
- Gradual loss of muscle mass despite regular activity
- Increased abdominal fat distribution
- Recurring skin infections or slow-healing shaving cuts
Because some of these changes develop gradually, they are often attributed to ageing rather than metabolic imbalance. Routine blood testing can help identify whether elevated blood sugar may be contributing to these experiences.
How Do I Know If I Have Diabetes?
If you've been asking yourself "how do I know if I have diabetes," the most reliable way to gain insight is through a blood test. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a metabolic condition — they can only suggest that further investigation may be worthwhile.
A diabetes blood test typically measures fasting glucose, HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin), or both. HbA1c provides an average blood sugar reading over the previous two to three months, offering a broader view than a single glucose measurement.
Understanding how to know if you have diabetes starts with awareness, but it is confirmed through objective laboratory data. If you're experiencing multiple signs from the list above — particularly frequent urination, persistent thirst, or unexplained fatigue — a preventive blood test can provide valuable information about your metabolic health.
Early Warning Signs of Diabetes vs Advanced Symptoms
There is an important distinction between early and more advanced indicators. The early warning signs — such as mild fatigue, slightly increased thirst, or occasional blurred vision — are often subtle enough to be dismissed as everyday inconveniences.
However, when blood sugar remains elevated over a longer period without being identified, more persistent symptoms may develop. These can include noticeable nerve discomfort in the hands and feet, recurring infections, significant vision changes, and wounds that heal very slowly.
| Symptom | Why It Happens | When to Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent urination | Kidneys filter excess glucose | When it disrupts sleep or daily routine |
| Persistent thirst | Fluid loss from increased urination | When drinking water does not relieve it |
| Extreme fatigue | Cells cannot access glucose for energy | When rest does not improve energy levels |
| Blurred vision | Fluid shifts in the eye lens | When it recurs or persists over weeks |
| Slow wound healing | Impaired circulation and immune response | When minor cuts take unusually long to heal |
| Tingling in extremities | Nerve damage from sustained high glucose | When numbness or burning becomes frequent |
| Darkened skin patches | Insulin resistance affecting skin cells | When patches appear on neck, armpits, or groin |
| Increased hunger | Cells unable to absorb glucose | When hunger persists despite regular meals |
Recognising where your symptoms fall on this spectrum can help you decide whether a blood test may be a helpful next step.
When Should You Consider a Blood Test?
There are several situations in which a preventive blood test for metabolic markers may be a sensible choice:
- Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with better sleep or rest
- Family history of type 2 diabetes or metabolic conditions
- Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary routine, high-sugar diet, or carrying excess weight
- Age-related awareness — particularly for adults over 40
- Experiencing two or more symptoms from the list above over several weeks
Blood testing is a straightforward, low-commitment way to check key markers such as HbA1c and fasting glucose. It provides objective data that can either offer reassurance or guide you towards seeking appropriate healthcare services.
Benefits of Preventive Blood Testing at Walk in Clinic London
Walk in Clinic London offers private blood testing services designed to give you clear, reliable insight into your metabolic health. The process is confidential, efficient, and accessible — with no need for a referral.
- Accredited laboratory analysis — Samples are processed by certified UK laboratories to ensure accuracy
- Clear, easy-to-read reports — Results are presented in a patient-friendly format that highlights key markers
- Confidential and discreet — Your information and results are handled with complete privacy
- Convenient location — Based in South Kensington, London, with flexible appointment availability
- Quick turnaround — Most results are available within 24 to 48 hours
Whether you are monitoring known metabolic markers or exploring your health proactively, preventive blood testing provides a foundation for informed wellbeing decisions.
Taking an active interest in your metabolic health is one of the most practical steps you can take for your long-term wellbeing. If any of the signs discussed in this article feel familiar, a preventive blood test with Walk in Clinic London can help you understand your body's signals — calmly, confidentially, and at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early symptoms of diabetes?
The early symptoms of diabetes commonly include frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. These signs may develop gradually over time and are often subtle in the initial stages, which is why proactive blood testing is valuable for early awareness.
What does diabetes fatigue feel like?
Diabetes-related fatigue often feels like a persistent heaviness that does not improve with rest. It may include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and muscle weakness — quite different from the tiredness associated with a busy lifestyle or poor sleep quality.
What are symptoms of diabetes in women?
In addition to the common warning signs, symptoms of diabetes in women may include recurring yeast infections, urinary tract infections, menstrual irregularities, and mood changes. Hormonal fluctuations can influence blood sugar levels, making awareness especially important during perimenopause or for those with PCOS.
What are diabetes symptoms in men?
Diabetes symptoms in men can include reduced energy, erectile dysfunction, gradual loss of muscle mass, and increased abdominal fat. These changes may develop slowly and are sometimes attributed to ageing rather than metabolic imbalance.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
The most reliable way to know if you have diabetes is through a blood test measuring HbA1c or fasting glucose levels. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a metabolic condition — laboratory analysis provides the objective data needed for clarity.
What are symptoms when your sugar is high?
When blood sugar is high, common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and dry mouth. In some cases, unexplained weight loss or recurring infections may also occur alongside these indicators.
Are early signs of diabetes easy to miss?
Yes. Many early signs of diabetes — such as mild fatigue, slight increases in thirst, or occasional blurred vision — are subtle enough to be attributed to stress, ageing, or everyday life. This is why routine blood screening can be particularly helpful.
When should I get a blood test for diabetes?
A blood test may be worth considering if you experience persistent fatigue, increased thirst or urination, have a family history of diabetes, are over 40, or have lifestyle risk factors such as a sedentary routine or high-sugar diet.
Can undiagnosed diabetes cause fatigue?
Yes. Undiagnosed diabetes can cause significant fatigue because the body's cells may not be receiving enough glucose for energy. This type of tiredness is often persistent and unresponsive to rest, making it one of the most commonly overlooked metabolic indicators.
Are symptoms of type 2 diabetes different in men and women?
While many core symptoms overlap, there are gender-specific differences. Women may experience recurring yeast infections, menstrual irregularities, and mood changes, whereas men may notice erectile dysfunction, muscle mass loss, and increased abdominal weight. Both benefit from routine metabolic screening.