1. Excessive thirst and urination

   Excessive thirst and urination are classic symptoms of diabetes.

   “When you have diabetes, there is too much glucose in your blood. Your kidneys usually filter glucose, but most of the glucose is reabsorbed, so that in those without diabetes, no glucose appears in the urine. But if the blood glucose levels are too high, the kidneys are unable to keep up and excess glucose will appear in the urine,” explains Dr Teh Ming Ming, Senior​ Consultant, from the Department of Endocrinology at Singapore Gen​eral Hospital​ (SGH), a member of the SingHealth​ group.
   Glucose excretion into the urine will also draw out water into the urine. This increases urination and leads to dehydration, with more thirst to compensate for this fluid loss.

2. Fatigue

   This can be due to many factors. Dehydration as a result of increased urination can cause fatigue. Moreover, the body’s inability to use sugar for energy needs can cause fatigue.

3. Weight loss

   Uncontrolled diabetes with high blood glucose levels can lead to weight loss. This is because you lose glucose (and therefore calories) through your urine.

4. ​Blurred vision

   High levels of blood glucose pulls the fluid from the lenses of your eyes. This can affect the ability to focus.

   In addition, uncontrolled diabetes for prolonged periods of time can cause significant damage to th​e re​tina. This in turn can also affect your vision.

5. Slow-healing sores ​and frequent infections

   High glucose levels can lead to frequent infections and slow-healing wounds.

​Ref: O17

Also, check out our other articles on diabetes:

Diabetes: How to Manage Blood Sugar Levels When You Fall Sick

Diabetes Diet Facts and Myths

Diabetes Foot Care: 10 Steps to Healthy Feet

Travelling with Diabetes: Tips Before You Go

HYPERglycaemia (High Blood Glucose): First Signs

HYPERglycaemia (High Blood Glucose): What to Do 

HYPOglycaemia (Low Blood Glucose) and Driving Safely