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Symptoms of Diabetes

The best way to know if you have diabetes is to visit your doctor or community health clinic regularly for routine blood work. Some people may experience the following symptoms of diabetes:

  • Very thirsty (polydipsia)
  • Frequent urination (polyuria)
  • Blurred vision
  • Tired
  • Frequent infections

Some people never experience these symptoms and often they are not evident until the diabetes is very uncontrolled. Also any or all of these symptoms may be a sign of some other condition that can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

How do I know if I am at greater risk for developing diabetes?

You are at greater risk if you have the following:

  • Family history of diabetes
  • Previously had gestational diabetes
  • Lifestyle: overweight and sedentary
  • Certain races

Criteria for the Diagnosis of Diabetes from the American Diabetes Association

These criteria are based on the following blood tests:

  1. A1C greater than or equal to 6.5% OR
  2. Fasting Glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl OR
  3. 2 hour Glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl after glucose drink from the lab OR
  4. Random Glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl with symptoms.

#1-3 criteria should be repeated on another day to confirm diagnosis.