The young victim may urinate frequently and be compelled to get up during the night to do so. Thirst may be constant, accompanied by increased appetite. The young person may notice muscle cramps or blurred vision, and may suffer from lingering infections or slow healing wounds. Late onset diabetes has the symptoms of frequent urination, excessive thirst, and increased appetite, but they are less common that in juvenile diabetes. Sometimes small, raised reddish-yellow spots appear on the skin because of increased fat in the blood.
Some persons develop numbness and burning or tingling of the hands, feet, or legs.
A few suffer blurry vision or frequently have their eyeglass prescription changed. And like juvenile diabetics, many adult-onset diabetics feel tired and run down. These symptoms, especially in combination, should lead one to consult a doctor. Diabetes is common, easy to test for, and easy to treat. Prompt treatment may minimize complications and reduced risk of associated diseases of the eye, kidney, and nervous system.