Diabetes Symptoms & Causes

Top Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Knowing the top signs and symptoms of diabetes in adults and children can be lifesaving. The sooner you reduce high blood sugar levels, the better your chances will be for staving off diabetes-related complications and disability.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by a glucose (blood sugar) level that is too low to effectively fuel the body's blood cells. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. According to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the good range of blood sugar is approximately 70 to 120 mg/dL (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). Blood sugar levels under 70 mg/dL are too low and are considered unhealthy.

Hypoglycemia may be a condition by itself, or may be a complication of diabetes or another disorder. It is most often seen as a complication of diabetes, which is sometimes referred to as insulin reaction.

Emergency Symptoms for People Who Use Insulin

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas either produces no insulin (type 1 diabetes) or too little or ineffective insulin (type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is also called insulin resistance. Insulin is a substance needed to regulate blood sugar levels.

People can manage diabetes with insulin, diet, exercise, and possibly other medications. Under certain circumstances, however, people who take insulin can have symptoms that require immediate action and, in some cases, treatment in a hospital emergency room, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

If you or someone you’re with has diabetes, uses insulin, and has the following symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance.