Adult diabetics usually have type 2 diabetes, in which high levels of blood sugar or glucose build up in the blood. The diabetic has to learn to control blood sugar levels through diet and healthy activities to avoid complications. Type 1 diabetes, in which the body cannot make insulin, usually occurs in children, although it can develop in adults. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can occur with type 2 diabetes, which has other symptoms as well. There are people with type 2 diabetes who have no symptoms, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Frequent Urinating
Because blood sugar builds up to excess in the blood, the kidneys may have too much to handle when trying to absorb and filter the extra amount of sugar. The sugar may be sent out into the urine, so it causes an increase in urination.
Unusual Thirst
The diabetic starts urinating more often because of the excess sugar. This may cause dehydration, and the diabetic finds that thirst increases. By drinking more fluids, the urination and thirst cycle continues.
Changed Appetite
The body loses calories because of lost sugar through increased urination, which may lead to weight loss. Meanwhile, the diabetic condition keeps sugar in food from reaching the cells. The result is an increase in hunger. Losing weight while constantly eating may be an indication of diabetes.
Weakened Immune System
Diabetes may impair the body's ability to fight infections. Bruises, cuts and sores may be slow to heal. The body may be too weak to fight germs, the Mayo Clinic says. Infections of the gums, causing sore, swollen gums and loose teeth, may be symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Fatigue
The body often becomes unable to function because the loss of sugar can zap energy. The dehydration that accompanies increased urination also contributes to fatigue and exhaustion.
Tingling and Numbness
The excess sugar in the blood can cause nerve damage that affects the extremities. The hands and feet are most often affected with tingling, numbness or loss of sensation. Burning pain may be felt, affecting the legs and arms along with the hands and feet. This is another symptom of type 2 diabetes.
Blurred Vision
Vision problems affect many diabetics. Fluid can be taken from the lenses of the eyes by the excess blood sugar, which affects the ability to focus. These type 2 symptoms can lead to blindness if diabetes forms new blood vessels in the retina and damages older vessels. These problems do not always cause vision problems but can get worse if untreated and undetected.
