(Guide only, type 2 diabetes can be asymptomatic for years)
| Symptoms | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Onset | Fast (days/weeks) | Slow (months/years) |
| Thirst | √ often profound | √ |
| Polyuria/nocturia | √ | √ |
| Bedwetting in children | √ | - |
| Lethargy/tiredness | √ | √ |
| Mood changes/irritability | √ | √ |
| Weight loss | √++ | √+/- |
| Visual disturbances | √ | √ |
| Thrush infections (genital) | - | √ |
| Recurrent infections (boils/ulcers) | - | √ |
| Hunger | √ | √ |
| Tingling/pain/numbness in extremities | - | √ |
| Occasionally abdominal pain | √ | - |
| Confusion | If advanced | √ Especially in the elderly |
| Incontinence | - | √ Especially in the elderly |
| Glucosuria | √ | May be absent especially in the elderly or if there is a high renal threshold |
| Ketones in urine or blood | May be present (ketoacidosis) | Likely to be present |
Thanks to Practice Nurse 41 8
