Excessive thirst and weight changes are well-known signs of diabetes—but some strange symptoms can be easy to overlook or dismiss.
Odd Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes You Didn’t Know About, According to Expert Dietitians
Published on Jun. 19, 2025
Common symptoms
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin and/or does not produce enough to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Insulin is the hormone which helps glucose (sugar) from food enter your cells to produce energy. This leads to high blood sugar levels which, over time, may damage nerves, blood vessels, and many organs.
Knowing the symptoms is key for early detection. Commonly known type 2 diabetes symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
- Excessive hunger or thirst
- Noticeable fatigue
- Weight changes
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
Odd or surprising symptoms you might not recognize
Some less common (or even bizarre) type 2 diabetes symptoms, ranging from “foggy brain” to fiery feet, can be easily missed. Why?
Well, they’re odd. When something seems to have no correlation to diabetes or high blood glucose, it’s difficult to connect the dots. Unfortunately, many people will experience their unusual symptoms for months or years because they mimic other conditions.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet, says, “This can lead individuals and even healthcare providers to attribute them to less serious or unrelated causes.” Some symptoms may be blamed on aging, “bad genes,” stress, or lack of sleep.
Additionally, some people may not be aware of potential early signs of diabetes, while others may overlook or normalize their symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. “The concern is that delay in diagnosis and treatment can cause more damage,” says Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes and education specialist.
Here’s what to be on the lookout for.
1. Weird weight changes
Sometimes weight changes associated with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes are a result of fluid shifts. Having undiagnosed diabetes can lead to peeing a lot, says the Mayo Clinic, which could lead to water and calorie loss. Though not as common, if your rings and shoes become way too tight, or your ankles become “cankles,” you may be retaining fluid—known as peripheral edema, according to the National Library of Medicine—since high blood glucose can damage blood vessels, impairing circulation.
Also, check your neck. Some research has suggested increased neck circumference may signal insulin resistance.
See your primary care physician (PCP) if your weight changes seem unexplained and aren’t short-term occurrences.
2. Sensitive smile
When you’re not able to show off your “pearly whites,” it could be due to dry mouth and bleeding or painful gums—more uncommon type 2 diabetes symptoms.
“This can happen because the high blood sugar levels can cause reduced saliva production and increased bacterial growth, raising your risk for gum disease and dental caries,” says Palinski-Wade.
If your mouth seems overly dry or your gums bleed easily when still following your healthy oral hygiene routine, consult your PCP.
3. Fiery feet
Sometimes numb or tingling feet get ignored, even though they’re typical type 2 diabetes symptoms. But if it feels like you’re walking on hot pavement when you’re not, that burning sensation may be an indicator of diabetic neuropathy, notes the Mayo Clinic.
“This might signal of nerve damage that may be caused by prolonged periods of high blood sugar,” says Sheth. “It can be an early sign but, if ignored, can make the damage worse.”
Talk to a doctor if you experience persistent fiery, numb, or tingly feet—or you have balance issues.
4. Yeasty “down there”
High blood sugar levels increase the risk for yeast infections and urinary tract infections, especially in women.
Explains Palinski-Wade: “Excess glucose in the blood and bodily fluids—such as urine, sweat, and mucus—creates an environment where yeast and bacteria can thrive. Combine this with high blood sugars weakening the immune system, and it becomes harder for the body to fight off infections, which leads to these types of infections occurring more often.”
If you have frequent yeast infections or UTIs—or your pee smells oddly fruit—you should discuss it with a doctor.
5. Dark patches of skin
Acanthosis nigricans is where dark, velvety patches appear on your skin around your neck, armpits, or groin, per the Mayo Clinic. If you notice them, it can be an early warning sign of insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels, says Palinski-Wade. High insulin levels in your body can stimulate this type of skin cell growth.
Talk to your doctor if you notice these dark, velvety skin patches.
6. Brain fog
Cognitive issues could potentially be type 2 diabetes symptoms. According to 2023 research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is a condition where consistently high blood sugar levels may impair brain function. This may show up as “brain fog.”
Plus, high blood sugar can sometimes affect mood and lead to irritability.
See your PCP if your “brain fog” or mood swings affect your daily life, such as forgetting words during normal conversation or becoming upset over slight inconveniences or problems.
What to do if you notice these signs
Early detection and treatment of diabetes are important to prevent type 2 diabetes complications later, says the American Diabetes Association. Follow these steps:
- Discuss any odd and not-so-odd symptoms with your PCP.
- Take the American Diabetes Association’s 60-second Type 2 Risk Test.
- Enjoy balanced meals with lean proteins, healthy fats, and plentiful fiber.
- Prioritize regular physical activity and sleep.
- Get screened annually for diabetes. Do so more often if you’re at risk.
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