The facts are that Diabetes is a growing disease. The
numbers are set to increase to 300 million in the coming 20 years.
Diabetes awareness is important to detect the disease in case one
already has it. Around 30% of the 20 million affected don’t even know
they have the disease. This indicates knowledge and alertness to the
signs of the disease and its condition is a must if we don’t want
growing number of Diabetic patients.
Diabetes is
typically a metabolic disorder. The disorder manifests itself
through high levels of blood sugar. If one is aware of the symptoms to
look out for, he or she will be much better equipped to take care of
himself or herself. Once one has done that, consulting a good medical
practitioner is the next logical step.
The two main types of Diabetes are Diabetes mellitus and Diabetes
insipidus (DI). The first one is typically insulin resistance by
the body or low insulin production by the pancreatic beta cells.
11 diabetic symptoms have been
compiled according to latest medical research and patient experiences.
1. Rapid weight loss
Usually, overweight people are more susceptible to the risk of
diabetes. That is why exercise is a much touted word in medical
circles. Conversely, once a person has diabetes, sudden weight loss
occurs. Body uses up a lot of energy. For this, fat tissues and
proteins are metabolized rapidly. So, if there is sudden inexplicable
weight loss, diabetes may be the cause behind it- more often than not.
2. Frequent Urination
Frequent visits to the toilet are not a promising sign
either. High glucose levels in the blood upset the osmotic process of
the kidneys. This results in decreased ability of the body to absorb
and retain water. As more and more water is released by the kidneys,
there is a frequent urge to urinate.
3. A constantly parched mouth
The water loss from a diabetic body is more due to
frequent urination. This may lead to dehydration. This drying out of
the body directly leads to a parched throat. An extreme and frequent
feeling of thirst is another of the diabetic symptoms.
4. Persistent hunger pangs
Diabetic patients suffer from wasting of body tissues.
As the fat and tissue breakdown occurs, the brain signals the body to
eat to compensate for the loss. A constant need to eat is, hence, a
major warning sign. If not treated medically, it can lead a patient to
starvation.
5. Blurred vision
The blurring of vision may fluctuate in the initial
stages. But, persistently high blood sugar levels impact the blood
vessels at the back of the eyes. The retina is affected leading to
diabetic retinopathy. The
American Academy of Ophthalmology maintains that the risk of losing
one’s eyesight increases by 25 times if one suffers from diabetes.
Getting permanently blurred vision is even more common.
6. Skin ailments
High blood sugar levels stimulate changes in the minor
blood vessels. When these are near the skin surface, these changes
result in light brown, circular or oval, scaly patches. Patients may
also complain of itching. Sudden eruption of blisters, on the back of
fingers, hands, toes or feet are also reported in some cases.
7. Numb extremities/Neuropathy
Diabetes induces numbness in hands and feet. Patients
complain of tingling hands or feet when they wake up in the mornings.
Blood glucose levels need to be checked if numbness and resultant
tingling persists every time one sits down. Diabetes also causes
damage to nerves through which pain is detected. This condition is
called Neuropathy. Leg swelling due to water retention is also seen in
some cases.
8. Wounds which just won’t heal
Slow healing wounds, cuts and bruises are almost a
surefire sign of diabetes. If cuts and bruises occur out of nowhere,
you need to get your blood tested. Sluggish healing is due to
persistent high levels of glucose in the blood.
9. Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infections are normal in females. These
result from the overgrowth of Candida albicans. These fungi are
usually present in harmless amounts in areas such as the vagina, the
digestive tract and the mouth. However, if the vaginal yeast infection
keeps recurring despite treatment along with other of the mentioned
symptoms, diabetes might be the overriding reason.
10. Fatigue
Diabetes also causes fatigue due to rapid consumption
of body fuel. However, fatigue in itself doesn’t indicate diabetes. It
can be caused due to factors like anemia or another metabolic
dysfunction. Constant fatigue should, nonetheless, be treated timely.
This prevents unnecessary future complications- one of which could be
diabetes.
11. Irritability and moodiness
Diabetic patients suffer from mood swings and
irritability. This happens due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Unexplained moodiness is a cause of worry if it is a more or less
recent development.
The above are the signs that show the presence of Diabetes mellitus or
Diabetes insipidus. There is another form of diabetes which is
recognized by WHO. It affects pregnant women and is called Gestational
diabetes. Gestational diabetes typically disappears after
delivery.
Diabetes is not only a problem of the elderly. It
affects children as well, where it is called Juvenile Diabetes.
The symptoms are the same as above in children as well. However,
diagnosis is helped if parents are alert to these signs.
There is no need to panic if your body exhibits any of these symptoms.
The best course of action would be to get a blood test done to allay
any fears.
