Diabetes mellitus may be discovered during a physical examination when the patient complains of any of the following symptoms:

a. Visual disturbances.

b. Weakness and fatigue.

c. Unexplained weight loss.

d. Recurrent infections.

e. Polyuria (excessive urination).

f. Polydipsia (excessive thirst).

g. Polyphagia (excessive eating).

h. Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease.

(1) Diminished or absent pulses.

(2) Skin that is thin and shiny.

(3) Loss of hair on the dorsum of the foot.

(4) Decreased skin temperature.

(5) Decreased capillary and venous filling.

(6) Thick and ridged toenails.