Early Warning Signs of Diabetes You Shouldn't Ignore
Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly over months or years before it's ever diagnosed — which is exactly why recognising the early signs matters.
Signs to watch for
- Unusual thirst that doesn't go away
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or recurring infections
Any one of these on its own isn't necessarily a red flag, but several together — or any lasting more than a couple of weeks — is worth having checked.
Why it often goes unnoticed
Many people have no symptoms at all in the early stages, since blood sugar can rise gradually enough for the body to adjust. This is why routine screening matters even when you feel well — particularly if you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, are over 40, or have high blood pressure. Mauritius has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, so this is a relevant concern for many local families, not a rare exception.
What screening involves
Confirming or ruling out diabetes is usually a simple blood test — either fasting blood glucose or HbA1c — with results available quickly. Catching it early means treatment can start before complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, or heart have had a chance to develop.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, or you simply haven't been screened in a while, it's worth booking a consultation rather than waiting.
Have a question about your own symptoms? Message directly and ask.
Message on WhatsAppThis article is general health information and does not replace a medical consultation. In a medical emergency, call SAMU (114) or go to your nearest hospital.