Diabetes can develop gradually, and some people have few noticeable symptoms during the early stages.
Recognizing possible warning signs is important because untreated high blood glucose can lead to serious complications.
1. Excessive thirst
High blood glucose can cause the kidneys to excrete more glucose into the urine. This process draws additional water into the urine and can contribute to dehydration.
As a result, a person may feel unusually thirsty even after drinking fluids.
Persistent excessive thirst deserves medical assessment, especially when it occurs alongside frequent urination.
2. Frequent urination
People with significantly elevated blood glucose may need to urinate more frequently, including during the night.
This can interrupt sleep and contribute to dehydration.
Frequent urination can have other causes, including urinary tract infections, certain medications, and bladder conditions. A healthcare professional can help determine the reason.
3. Unexplained weight loss
Unintentional weight loss can occur when the body cannot use glucose effectively.
In some cases, the body begins breaking down fat and muscle to meet its energy needs.
Unexpected weight loss is particularly concerning when accompanied by thirst, frequent urination, or increasing fatigue.
4. Persistent fatigue
When diabetes is poorly controlled, dehydration and metabolic changes can contribute to tiredness.
However, fatigue is a nonspecific symptom that can also result from anemia, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, depression, and numerous other conditions.
Persistent or unexplained fatigue should be evaluated rather than automatically attributed to diabetes.
5. Blurred vision
High blood glucose can alter fluid balance in the eye and temporarily affect the ability to focus.
Long-term uncontrolled diabetes can also damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy.
Sudden changes in vision should be assessed promptly, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.
6. Slow-healing wounds or recurrent infections
Persistently elevated blood glucose can impair aspects of immune function and damage blood vessels and nerves.
Some people with diabetes experience recurrent skin infections, genital yeast infections, or wounds that heal slowly.
These problems do not prove that diabetes is present, but they warrant attention when they are persistent or occur alongside other warning signs.
Why Can Diabetes Become Life-Threatening?
Diabetes can cause serious complications when blood glucose is severely elevated or remains poorly controlled over time.
The speed and type of complications depend on the form of diabetes and the circumstances involved.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a dangerous complication in which the body produces excessive ketones because it lacks sufficient effective insulin.
The condition occurs most commonly in type 1 diabetes but can also occur in some people with type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, and confusion.
DKA can develop quickly and requires emergency treatment.
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or HHS, is another serious complication, more commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.
It involves very high blood glucose and severe dehydration, sometimes accompanied by confusion, seizures, or reduced consciousness.
This condition also requires emergency medical care.
Long-term complications
Over time, persistently high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves.
Possible complications include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss, and problems affecting the feet.
The good news is that appropriate treatment, regular monitoring, and management of cardiovascular risk factors can substantially reduce the risk of many complications.
If someone with possible diabetes develops vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, severe dehydration, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm diabetes. Blood tests are needed to establish the diagnosis.
Common diagnostic tests include fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and, in selected circumstances, an oral glucose tolerance test.
For nonpregnant adults, commonly used diagnostic thresholds include:
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Fasting plasma glucose: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher.
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HbA1c: 6.5% or higher.
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Two-hour plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.
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Random plasma glucose: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher in a person with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or a hyperglycemic crisis.
When symptoms are not unequivocal, an abnormal result generally requires confirmation with repeat testing or another accepted diagnostic test.
These thresholds should be interpreted by a healthcare professional, and different considerations apply during pregnancy.
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over approximately the previous two to three months. Fasting glucose measures blood glucose after a period without caloric intake.
A clinician may also investigate whether symptoms suggest type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or another form of the disease because treatment can differ substantially.
Practical Ways to Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Although not every case of diabetes can be prevented, certain habits can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.
Eat a varied, balanced diet
Include vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, and suitable sources of protein.
Reduce frequent consumption of sugary drinks and limit highly processed foods when they displace more nutritious options.
There is no need to eliminate all carbohydrates. The goal is to choose appropriate portions and a balanced mix of foods.
Stay physically active
Regular activity helps muscles use glucose and can improve insulin sensitivity.
Walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and other activities can be useful.
For many adults, public health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, with adjustments for individual health and fitness.
People who have been inactive should begin gradually.
Maintain a healthy weight when appropriate
For people with excess body weight who are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, even modest, sustained weight loss can improve metabolic health.
However, body weight is influenced by genetics, medications, medical conditions, and other factors. People should avoid extreme diets and seek individualized advice when necessary.
Prioritize sleep
Insufficient or irregular sleep is associated with metabolic problems and may make appetite and glucose regulation more difficult.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and addressing possible sleep disorders can support overall health.
Know your risk factors
People with a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other metabolic risk factors may benefit from screening.
A healthcare professional can advise when testing is appropriate based on age, medical history, and individual risk.
Final Thoughts: Diabetes Is About More Than Avoiding Sweets
The story presented in the image is a reminder that diabetes should not be reduced to a simple question of whether someone eats candy or desserts.
People who rarely consume sweets can still develop diabetes because blood glucose regulation is influenced by genetics, insulin function, other medical conditions, and overall lifestyle.
White rice, refined grains, sugary drinks, and large portions of starchy foods can affect blood glucose, but they should not be presented as the proven cause of an individual's death without verified medical evidence.
The most important steps are to understand the symptoms, obtain appropriate screening, maintain balanced eating habits, stay physically active, and seek medical care when warning signs appear.
Diabetes can often be managed effectively with the right treatment and ongoing monitoring. Early diagnosis can be particularly important when symptoms develop rapidly.
Remember: Avoiding sweets alone does not guarantee protection from diabetes. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding your individual risk can make a far greater difference.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The reported death in the headline cannot be independently established from the image. Anyone experiencing symptoms of diabetes should seek medical assessment, and suspected diabetic emergencies require immediate medical care.