Diabetes doesn't always present obvious symptoms during the day; sometimes, your body sends subtle warning signals while you sleep. These nighttime symptoms are often overlooked, but recognizing them early can make a big difference in managing, or even preventing, diabetes complications.
Here are 9 important signs that can appear at night and what they mean for your health.
1. Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia) 🚽
If you wake up several times to go to the bathroom, this could be a sign of hyperglycemia. When your blood sugar is high, your kidneys work harder to filter and eliminate excess sugar in your urine, causing you to go more often, even at night.
2. Excessive thirst during sleep 💧
Waking up with a dry mouth or constantly craving water at night can be another warning sign. High blood sugar leads to dehydration, as the body loses fluids through frequent urination.
3. Night sweats 😓
Hypoglycemia, particularly in people taking insulin or antidiabetic medication, can cause sudden sweating during sleep. This sweating may soak your sheets or leave you feeling damp and tired.
