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Diabetes Symptoms:

Identify Common Signs, Early Warnings & Prevention Tips

 

14-min read

Updated on 2026-7-30

Author: AIA Content Editorial Team

Healthcare professional providing a blood sugar test to identify diabetes symptoms, early warning signs, and blood glucose abnormalities.
In Hong Kong, there are currently around 700,000 people living with diabetes, meaning that approximately 1 in every 10 people has the condition. In terms of prevalence, 2% of people under the age of 35 have diabetes, while among those aged 65 or above, more than 20% are affected1. In the early stages of diabetes, patients may have no noticeable discomfort, making the condition difficult to detect. This article aims to provide information on diabetes symptoms and early warning signs, helping readers identify potential issues early and seek medical advice promptly.

Identify Common Diabetes Symptoms and Early Warning Signs

Although the early warning signs of diabetes may not be obvious, when blood sugar levels remain consistently abnormal, the body may still send out certain warning signals. Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind these diabetes symptoms can help us stay more alert.

The Body's Sugar-Excretion Warning Signs: Frequent Urination and Thirst

Frequent urination and excessive thirst are common signs of diabetes2. When the glucose concentration in the blood exceeds the kidneys' ability to reabsorb it, the excess sugar is excreted in the urine. This process leads to a physiological phenomenon known as "osmotic diuresis," which not only significantly increases urine output but also causes the body to lose a large amount of water, resulting in dehydration. As the body loses fluids, the brain sends thirst signals, creating a chain reaction in which a person continues to drink water but still feels persistently thirsty.

Signs of Abnormal Energy Metabolism: Fatigue and Weight Loss

Another commonly misunderstood symptom of diabetes is unexplained fatigue and weight loss2. Under normal circumstances, insulin helps cells absorb glucose and convert it into energy. However, in people with diabetes, cells are unable to use blood glucose effectively. To maintain vital bodily functions, the body must break down stored fat and protein for energy. As a result, patients may find that even though their appetite remains normal or even increases, they still experience unexplained weight loss and often feel weak and tired.

Other Easily Overlooked Symptoms

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, some diabetes symptoms are easily mistaken for ordinary tiredness or minor health issues, and may therefore be overlooked, such as:
 
  • Blurred vision2: High blood sugar can affect the osmotic pressure of the eye lens, causing it to swell and impair vision.
  • Slow wound healing: Poorer blood circulation and affected immune function can reduce the body's ability to repair itself.
  • Skin problems and infections: These may include itchy skin or recurring infections, such as urinary tract infections or yeast infections.

High-Risk Factors and Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes

To prevent diabetes, it is important not only to watch for early warning signs but also to understand whether you have any high-risk factors. Common risk factors include being overweight, such as having a BMI over 23, lack of regular physical activity, a family history of diabetes, and older age3.
 
In diagnosis, the medical field commonly uses glycated haemoglobin, also known as HbA1c, as a key reference indicator4. HbA1c measures the proportion of red blood cells that have bonded with glucose, providing an objective reflection of a person's average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.
 
When a person's HbA1c level falls between 5.7% and 6.4%, it is generally classified as prediabetes5. Although this does not mean a formal diabetes diagnosis, it already indicates abnormal blood sugar metabolism. Making lifestyle changes at this stage may help lower the risk of developing diabetes.

Risk of Complications: The Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Early Symptoms

If blood sugar levels remain abnormal over a prolonged period without proper management, serious complications may occur:
 
  • Acute risks: These include hypoglycaemia caused by improper management, where blood glucose levels fall below 4 mmol/L, as well as severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) caused by hyperglycaemia. These conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.6
  • Chronic damage: Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Common long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and retinopathy, which may lead to vision loss or blindness.7
 
Certain complications may require prolonged treatment and management, potentially affecting daily life and family arrangements to varying degrees, and may entail substantial long-term medical expenses. Understanding related health risks and critical illness protection options, and making suitable long-term plans based on personal circumstances, may help individuals be better prepared to face different health conditions.

Prevention and Management Guide: Building a Healthy Line of Defence

When facing the risk of diabetes, the first step in prevention is to build healthy eating habits that suit your own needs. This includes avoiding excessive intake of refined sugar and high-fat foods, while maintaining regular exercise and active weight management.
 
In addition, since early-stage diabetes often has no obvious symptoms, regular professional health checks and screenings are key to identifying early warning signs. Through regular health management services and monitoring, you can keep track of your HbA1c and blood glucose reference values in a timely manner. Depending on your family responsibilities and risk tolerance, you may also consider suitable health protection plans to build a more comprehensive safety net for the future.

Diabetes FAQs

Early-stage diabetes usually causes no obvious pain or symptoms. Regular monitoring of glycated haemoglobin, also known as HbA1c, can help detect potential health risks before noticeable discomfort appears.

If symptoms of hypoglycaemia occur, it is recommended to immediately drink around 120cc of soft drink or eat 2 to 3 sugar cubes to raise blood sugar quickly. Blood glucose levels should then be tested again after 15 minutes to ensure they have returned to a safe range.

Genetics is one of the risk factors for developing diabetes. In general, comparing different medical or critical illness protection plans objectively while you are still in good health can help you find coverage that meets your long-term needs and prepares you for potential future health risks.

Although there is currently no complete cure for diabetes, strict dietary management and regular exercise can usually help control blood sugar levels effectively, reduce the risk of complications, and maintain a good quality of life.
*This information is owned by AIA, and may not be copied or reproduced without AIA's written consent. You may not copy or store this content on any other website or content platform.
 
This information contains general information only and is intended for distribution in Hong Kong only. It does not constitute any sales advice and/or product recommendation. Before applying for any insurance product, customers must complete a Financial Needs Analysis and apply based on their actual protection needs and affordability. The product information in this document does not contain the full terms of the policy. For details on product features, terms and conditions, exclusions, and key product risks, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract. This promotion is not applicable to cases involving plan changes from other insurance products to the promoted insurance products (basic plans or riders, if applicable). If you wish to review a sample policy contract before applying, you may request one from AIA. Life insurance policies are long-term contracts. If you surrender the policy in the early years, the amount you receive may be significantly less than the total premiums paid.
 
This information is general information and for reference only, and should not be considered as a medical, diagnosis or professional recommendation, and cannot replace any medical, diagnosis or professional recommendation from doctors. Independent professional advice should be sought from an appropriate qualified medical professional (such as doctors) before making any decision on the topics mentioned above. Treatment may vary according to individual circumstances. If in doubt, you may ask your doctor. If necessary, you may seek other medical advice as soon as possible and do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice / treatment. AlA assumed no liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use, misuse, understanding or application of any of the above information.

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