1. Excessive Thirst
When glucose levels in the blood are high, it ultimately leads to water being absorbed out of the bloodstream. This brings on thirst, which in itself, might seem like a minor nuisance. However, the underlying reason for the dehydration can be very serious. The immediate effects of untreated diabetes-related severe dehydration can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fainting, coma, organ failure or even death.
2. Frequent Urination
The average person urinates about seven times in 24 hours. People with diabetes go more frequently. The reason is the increased glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is meant to be absorbed into the body’s cells, but in diabetics this absorption does not happen, leaving the sugar to build up in the bloodstream. The extra glucose in the blood causes the kidneys to go into filtering overdrive, forcing the pair of organs to store more fluid—and make more urine. Frequent trips to the restroom lead to other effects.