12 Signs and Symptoms of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Diabetes without proper management can damage nerves, blood vessels, and organs, resulting in a wide array of signs and symptoms. For example, you may experience extreme fatigue, frequent thirst, and hearing loss. If you notice new, persistent, or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help you adjust your treatment plan and manage your diabetes.

This article covers 12 signs and symptoms of unmanaged diabetes.

If your blood sugar is still too high even after starting treatment for diabetes, it could be a sign that your treatment is ineffective and needs to be adjusted.

Your doctor may increase your dosage, switch you to an alternative medication, or add another medication to your treatment regimen. They may also recommend Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source dietary or lifestyle changes to complement your medications.

Learn more about what to do when your blood sugar spikes.

One of the most common complications Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of unmanaged diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood glucose damages the blood vessels in the retina. You may notice you have trouble reading, or you see rings around lights at nighttime. Your ability to see up close and far away may change as well.

Your vision may become blurry, and dark spots or flashing lights may appear in your field of view. Also, it may take longer for your eyes to adjust when you move from dark places into bright light.

Over time, diabetic retinopathy may cause partial or total vision loss.

Learn more about the stages of diabetic retinopathy.

In people with unmanaged diabetes, the body will try to filter excess blood glucose through urine. However, the glucose will pull more water into the urine through a process Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source called osmotic diuresis. This increases the volume of urine that needs to be excreted and leads to more frequent urination, also known as polyuria.

Learn more about when to see a doctor for frequent urination.

More frequent urination lowers the water content in the body and can lead Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to increased thirst, also called polydipsia. Fluid intake caused by increased thirst leads to more urine production, creating a cycle that can be a challenge to manage.

People with unmanaged diabetes may experience Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source extreme and persistent hunger due to the loss of fluids and calories connected with frequent urination. Also called polyphagia, it is a common symptom Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of hyperglycemia along with polyuria and polydipsia.

Fatigue can be a symptom of both controlled and unmanaged diabetes. It may be Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source the result of hyperglycemia and other complications of diabetes, such as sleep disturbances or chronic pain.

Fatigue may also be influenced by the psychological difficulties associated with the disease. People with diabetes often experience Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source stress, anxiety, and depression.

Learn more about the connection between diabetes and fatigue.

Your body retains less moisture when you have high blood glucose, which may leave Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source your skin dry and itchy. Extremely dry skin can crack, allowing bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause infections that heal slowly.

Other signs may appear on your skin, including:

• dark velvety patches
• blisters
• rashes
• scales
• hard, pea-sized lumps

Some areas may also become stiff, waxy, cool, or hairless.

Learn more about how diabetes affects the skin.

Unmanaged diabetes can damage your nerves, especially the nerves in the feet. When these nerves are damaged, it can be more difficult Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to feel foot injuries or pain, meaning a wound may go unnoticed and become infected.

Learn more about treating your feet right with diabetes.

In addition to nerve damage, unmanaged diabetes can adversely affect your circulation. In particular Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , the blood vessels in your lower extremities may become damaged, meaning your blood can’t carry nutrients and oxygen to your legs and feet.

As a result, if you have a wound on your foot, it may take longer to heal and become an ulcer. Foot ulcers can become infected, leading to more severe complications, such as a bone infection or even amputation.

Unmanaged diabetes may lead Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs when a lack of insulin causes the liver to break down fat for energy. This releases acids called ketones, which can build up in the body and cause signs and symptoms like:

• frequent thirst and urination
• rapid breathing
• facial flushing
• fruity-smelling breath
• muscle aches and stiffness
• extreme fatigue
• nausea and vomiting

Unexpected weight loss may be Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a sign of hyperglycemia. Because the lack of insulin associated with diabetes means the body can’t break down sugar for fuel, it starts to break down fat and muscle instead. In addition, the cycle of increased thirst and urination may contribute to weight loss.

According to research from 2022 Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , hyperglycemia related to unmanaged diabetes may damage the vessels and nerves associated with hearing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source notes that this may come on slowly, so people around you may notice it before you do.

Contact your doctor if you notice new concerning symptoms. Also tell them if any existing symptoms are persisting or worsening. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe complications, so prompt treatment is essential.

Unmanaged diabetes may cause various signs and symptoms, including weight loss, vision changes, and frequent thirst.

It’s important to monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor right away if you notice any changes. Proper diabetes treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.