Why some people do not have symptoms of type 2 diabetes

It is not clear why some people have symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, and fatigue, before diagnosis and others do not. Some possible explanations are:

  • In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels rise gradually over years. If the symptoms are mild, the person may not notice them.
  • People with type 2 diabetes often have complications from the disease at the time of diagnosis. It may be that there is a range of blood sugar levels within which complications arise, but the levels aren't high enough to cause symptoms.
  • People differ in their awareness of symptoms.


Author: Merrill HaydenLast Updated: July 11, 2006
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism

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