Diabetes is most easily detected through a blood test (hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c) which measures your blood sugar levels over the past three months. Diabetes can also be detected through routine blood work that indicates elevated blood sugar levels. Here are some of the most common symptoms of which you should be aware.

The most common symptoms of diabetes are:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Unsatisfied hunger
• Extreme fatigue
• Decline in vision
• Labored breathing
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Noticing weight loss without interruption to your eating habits (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Call your doctor if you:

• Feel sick to your stomach, weak, and very thirsty
• Are urinating a lot
• Have a bad belly ache
• Are breathing more deeply and faster than normal
• Have sweet breath that smells like nail polish remover (a sign of very high ketones)

Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes share many of the same symptoms, but for those with type 1 diabetes, the symptoms can often happen more quickly and severely. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.