Which stage of diabetes mellitus is characterized by recognizable signs and symptoms such as blindness?

The stage of diabetes mellitus characterized by recognizable signs and symptoms, including complications such as blindness, is the clinical disease stage. In this phase, the disease has progressed to a point where its effects on the body become evident, and individuals may experience significant health challenges. For example, prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which is a major cause of vision loss and blindness among diabetic patients.

During the clinical disease stage, patients often demonstrate a variety of other symptoms and complications as well, such as neuropathy or cardiovascular issues. This distinguishes it from earlier stages like susceptibility or sub-clinical disease, where the individual may not exhibit any obvious signs or noticeable health effects. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and management to prevent further complications and improve quality of life.