Diabetes Signs and Symptoms
Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus (DM), is a chronic illness that affects millions of individuals every day.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of Diabetes can be vital for early diagnosis and the management of this illness.
In this article, we discuss what Diabetes is, its types, as well as, common signs and symptoms.
Table of Contents:
What is Diabetes?
What are the Types of Diabetes?
Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic illness that affects how the body regulates blood glucose levels.
This occurs when the pancreas is not able to function properly and cannot produce the correct amount of insulin the body needs to function properly.
Insulin is critical for our energy and if left untreated or undiagnosed, can cause high or low blood sugar levels, leading to serious health issues such as, heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, etc.
What are the Types of Diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes, each affecting the body in different ways. These being:
Type 1 Diabetes: Often diagnosed during childhood or early adulthood. This is typically genetic and requires insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes: Most common in adults and is typically linked to poor health and lifestyle choices. Symptoms are developed over an extended period of time and can often be managed with lifestyle changes.
Gestational Diabetes: Can develop during pregnancy and is usually temporary, going away after birth. This can however increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Like any illness, recognising signs and symptoms early can help prevent long-term complications and the severity of the illness. Signs and symptoms can vary per person, so it is important to be aware of a range, including:
Blurred vision: Unstable glucose levels can alter eye and lens shape, leading to various eye diseases if untreated.
Slow healing wounds or infections: Cuts, scrapes or sores can take a noticeably longer time to heal, due to poor circulation in the body.
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, also known as, Diabetic Neuropathy. It is common for individuals with Diabetes to report experiencing a loss of sensation in their limbs, specifically hands and feet.
Excessive thirst: Usually noticeable during the night, feeling constantly thirsty can be an indicator of Diabetes, as your body loses more water during the urination process.
Frequent urination: Being one of the earliest signs of Diabetes, frequent urination is likely to occur, especially during the night.
Increased hunger: Even after eating, many individuals with Diabetes report still feeling hungry. This is due to the fact that their cells are not processing the correct amount of energy needed from glucose, therefore, sending the body signals of hunger.
If yourself or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.
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