Diabetes Symptoms + Tests

Did you know you could be diagnosed with Diabetes at any age? Symptoms of Type I Diabetes often happen quickly, while symptoms of Type II and Pre-Diabetes typically have a gradual appearance. Do you know what to look for?

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Frequently Needing to Urinate

• Excessive Thirst

• Fatigued + Weak

• Dry, Sticky Mouth

• Increased Appetite

• Rapid, Unexplained Loss of Weight

• Slow Healing Wounds

• Itchy Skin

• Changes in Vision

• Fruity/Sweet-Smelling Breath

• Unusual Behavior

• Nausea or Vomiting

• Extremity Pain or Numbness

How to Test for Diabetes

The most common test for determining Type I, Type II, and Pre-Diabetes is a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test. This test gives you an average of your blood sugars over a three-month period measuring the amount of sugar attached to your hemoglobin.

• Normal <5.7%

• Pre-Diabetes 5.7% - 6.4%

• Diabetes >6.4% (on two separate tests)

You may now also see this reported as an Estimated Average Glucose (eAG), reporting your test results back in the same units you see when monitoring your own blood glucose levels.

• Normal 117 mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L)

• Pre-Diabetes 117 mg/dL - 137 mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L - 7.6 mmol/L)

• Diabetes 137 mg/dL (7.6 mmol/L)

When testing for Gestational Diabetes, you may be asked to perform a Glucose Challenge Test. You will consume a sugary drink and then have a blood sugar test one hour later.

• Normal <140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)

• Higer Risk >140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)

  • You will be asked to come in for a follow-up Glucose Tolerance Test.

The tests to check for Diabetes, are virtually painless. If you have multiple signs and think you may have Diabetes it is worth getting screened to avoid potentially dangerous effects.

You can learn more about the different types of Diabetes here.