The Signs And Symptoms Of Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a person has high glucose levels in the blood. Diabetes has two forms. Type 1 Diabetes results from inadequate insulin levels in the blood while Type 2 Diabetes results from reduced sensitivity of cells to insulin. Type I diabetes mellitus usually occurs suddenly, and is usually more common among children, while Type II diabetes mellitus develops gradually, and is more common among adults. The latter is more common, with 90% of diabetics having Type II Diabetes. Another form of diabetes is called gestational diabetes which as the term suggests occurs during pregnancy. It is usually a precursor to type II diabetes in women.

Diabetes – What are Its Pathognomonic Signs and Symptoms?

The three hallmark symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. Frequent micturition results from the kidney’s attempts to dilute the excess sugar which it can’t filter back to the periphery by extracting more water from the circulating blood. The reaction of the kidneys to the increased blood sugar level also results in increased thirst. Insulin is necessary for glucose to enter cells. If its inadequate or if its receptors are insensitive to it, the cell starves, and the person becomes hungry, weak, and easily fatigued.

Do You Want To Know What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes

Diabetes also leads to changes in minute blood vessels. Diabetics can affect blood vessels in the retina of the eye which can lead to reduced vision, and potentially blindness. Some diabetics also experience symptoms of neuropathy like pins and needles, and decreased sensation especially in the lower limbs.

Diabetes Management and Prevention

There is currently no cure for diabetes, but the disease can be managed and its complications prevented. To manage diabetes, doctors prescribe lifestyle changes as well as hypoglycemic drugs. Still, prevention is better than cure. Exercise and a well-balanced diet can help prevent type 2 diabetes. At present, type I diabetes cannot be prevented. Diabetic patients need to have regular check-ups too, to monitor the progression of the disease. For more information on diabetes management, visit this link.

Complications

Without the right treatment, diabetes can lead to other serious problems. As said in the previous paragraphs, diabetes can lead to blindness. Because of microvascular changes, your feet and skin can develop sores and infections which don’t heal easily. Compounding this problem is the delayed healing of these lesions, which can sometimes lead to the extremity being amputated due to gangrene. Diabetics also have higher risk of developing kidney problems and dying at a much younger age than non-diabetics.

Diabetes mellitus occurs throughout the world, and in 2010 it was found that there are close to 290 million people who has this metabolic disorder, and this number is increasing. Follow this link to know what are the hallmark signs and symptoms of diabetes.