This is not intended as a medical reference, but is intended as a guide for you to increase your awareness of the seriousness of diabetes. You should always consult your doctor if you suspect you are experiencing any of the symptoms on this page. For more information on Diabetes and Ketoacidosis, please consult some of the links on our links page. Remember, Awareness Saves Lives!
The symptoms of diabetes are the same whether you have Type 1 or 2.
- Increased thirst
- Going to the toilet all the time – especially at night
- Extreme tiredness
- Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of wounds
Symptoms of Ketoacidosis
Recognising ketoacidosis
Ketones are acids that build up in the blood when your body no longer controls sugar levels as it should. Ketones can poison the body so ketoacidosis is a very serious and dangerous condition and if you are experiencing these symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Stage One
- Increased thirst
- Going to the toilet all the time
- Tiredness
- Blood glucose levels higher than 15mmol/l
- Ketones in your urine
Stage Two
- Nausea and vomiting
- Moderate to large amounts of ketones in the urine
- Deep, rapid breathing
- Breath smelling like pear drops
- Drowsiness
- Eventual unconsciousness
