10 Most Common Diabetes Symptoms

Could you have diabetes? With Type 2 diabetes on the rise, recognising the warning signs early is key to staying healthy.

Here are 10 of the most common symptoms of diabetes:

1. Increased thirst

2. Frequent urination, especially at night

3. Fatigue (feeling tired despite rest)

4. Unexplained weight loss

5. Blurred vision

6. Slow-healing cuts or wounds

7. Tingling, numbness, or pain in hands or feet

8. Increased hunger

9. Recurring infections like thrush or UTIs

10. Dark patches of skin, often in armpits or neck folds (called acanthosis nigricans).

These signs can creep up gradually and are often dismissed until more serious issues develop. Type 2 diabetes is especially sneaky as some people have no obvious symptoms for years.

Who should get checked?

If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms or have risk factors such as:

• Being over 40

• A family history of diabetes

• Being overweight

• Being of Black African, Caribbean, or South Asian descent

… it’s time to have your blood glucose and HbA1c measured by your GP or your local pharmacist.

Why make an early diagnosis?

Early diagnosis means 1. easier treatment; and 2. prevention of complications (including blindness etc).