Warning Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms may begin gradually and can be hard to identify at first. Many of the signs of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are similar. In Type 1 diabetes, the body can't produce insulin. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. As these cells die, blood sugar levels rise. People with Type 1 diabetes take insulin shots to compensate for this deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). Your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin therefore, making it harder to maintain a normal glucose level.
Although Type 2 Diabetes is a manageable condition, there is no cure for it. That is why it is very important that you pay attention to the following symptoms, which act as warning signs to let you know it may be time to visit your doctor:
Frequent urination:
Urination becomes more frequent when there is too much glucose in the blood. If there is lack of insulin the kidneys can't filter glucose back to the blood. An increased fluid load is delivered to the kidneys which produces more urine.
Excessive thirst:
When diabetes is present, the body pulls extra water out of the blood and increases the frequency of urination, leading to dehydration and feeling excessively thirsty.
Weight loss:
Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to use glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine. This symptom is more noticeable with Type 1 diabetes.
Extreme hunger:
Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted for energy which triggers intense hunger.
Blurred vision:
If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your eyes, which may affect your ability to focus clearly.
Increased fatigue and weakness:
If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and weak. Glucose from the food you eat travels into the bloodstream where insulin is supposed to help it transition into the cells of your body. The cells use it to produce the energy you need to live. In absence of insulin, the glucose can't get into the cells in the bloodstream, which causes the feeling of fatigue and tiredness.
Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands, Legs or Feet:
This symptom, called neuropathy, refers to disorders of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. People with diabetes can, over time, develop nerve damage throughout the body. Some people with nerve damage have no symptoms. Others may have symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness–loss of feeling–in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs.
Very dry skin:
This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, characterized by a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin, is usually found in body folds such as armpits and neck. The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, which leads to increased circulating insulin levels. Insulin spillover into the skin results in its abnormal growth and the stimulation of color producing cells.
Other symptoms could be:
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
You can visit your doctor or take an at home blood glucose test to determine if you have diabetes or monitor your blood sugar levels.
Although some of these issues may seem minor, they can lead to serious complications. It is vital to visit your doctor and manage your blood sugar now to be able to reduce your risk of complications from diabetes later.
Source
- http://www.diabetes.org
- http://www.diabetes.com
- http://www.wikipedia.com
- http://diabetes.about.com