Usually, the symptoms of Type I diabetes are obvious. That is not true for Type II. Many people with Type II do not discover they have diabetes until they are treated for a complication, such as heart disease, blood vessel disease (atherosclerosis), stroke, blindness, skin ulcers, kidney problems, nerve trouble or impotence.

The warning signs and symptoms for both types are:

Type I: Frequent urination, increased thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, irritability, nausea and vomiting.

Type II: Any Type I symptom, plus: unexplained weight gain, pain, cramping, tingling or numbness in your feet, unusual drowsiness, frequent vaginal or skin infections, dry, itchy skin and slow healing sores.

Note: If a person is experiencing these symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately.