Diabetes Pt 3 Diabetic Symptoms

Previously we discussed the statistics, definition and types of diabetes. This month we will cover the symptoms.

Diabetes has many symptoms but these are not always present or noticed initially. The symptoms can vary depending on the blood sugar elevation. In type 1 the symptoms occur quickly and can be live threatening. In type 2 and pre-diabetes these develop slowly and may not even be noticed.

Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:

  • diabetes-thirst
    Increased thirst. As the glucose accumulates in the blood, the body tries to protect itself by diluting the level. So many believe they are being healthier because they are drinking more water.

Frequent urination. nocturia

The kidneys go into overdrive trying to reduce the glucose in the blood and the increased water volume we are drinking. Think of a pot that is filled with water. If that pot is overfilled it begins to overflow. This is basically what happens in the kidneys. Meanwhile they are being over worked and damaged.

nocturia

Nocturia Having to get up at night to urinate. Normally we can sleep through the night without having to get up to urinate. But with the glucose levels out of control the kidneys cannot shut down as it tries to eliminate the excess sugar. Of course you believe it is because you are drinking more water.

fatigueFatigue. No energy transformed from sugar

Irritability.

Slow-healing sores.

diabeticDermopathy

hunger

Increased appetite.

Remember that glucose is used by the cells as substance and energy. Yes, there is plenty of sugar in the plasma but because we lack insulin or the cells are resistant to what is there, glucose cannot get into the cell. The cell sends signals to the brain that it needs energy so we eat more.

.

Feet on a bathroom scale - Isolated
Feet on a bathroom scale – Isolated

Unexplained weight loss.

There comes a point where the body must have nutrients so the brain begins to break down muscle and fat to convert as other sources of energy. Of course we are happy for the wrong reason that we are losing weight. Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin)

Blurred vision.

Blurry Eye Chart --- Image by © John Wilkes/CORBIS
Blurry Eye Chart — Image by © John Wilkes/CORBIS

diabetic_neuropathy Slowly healing wounds.

  • Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections.

So as you can see that as diabetes gets worse the symptoms progress. Many of these symptoms we ignore at first because we related these to other reasons. Meanwhile, the complications build. Next month we will cover complications.

Lea toda la serie sobre diabetes en http://www.conexionflorida.com/salud-y-belleza/. Haga cliq en la parte que querires leer.

Parte 1 Estadística
Parte 2 Definición y tipos
Parte 3 Los síntomas
Parte 4 Complicaciones
Parte 5 Medicinas

Read this series in English at http://www.conexionflorida.com/salud-y-belleza/. Click on part you want to read.

Part 1 Statistic
Part 2 Definition and types
Part 3 Symptoms
Part 4 Complications

Part 5 Medicines

Read the whole diabetes series at http://www.conexionflorida.com/salud-y-belleza/

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