Diabetic Symptoms

Diabetes, the life threatening disease that afflicts a growing number of people every year, can be categorized into two major groups-Type 1 and Type 2. Type I, also known as juvenile diabetes, is found in babies at the time of birth. In type 1 diabetes, the patient’s body can no longer produce insulin, thus making him/her dependent on insulin injections for survival. The body’s capacity to produce insulin is destroyed by the immune system of the patient itself by the production of antibodies that destroy the body tissues of the patient. On the other hand, in Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas of the patient still produce insulin but in abnormal quantities. The cells of the body develop a resistance to insulin and the large quantity of insulin produced by the pancreas to meet the deficit is often defective.

Diabetic symptoms are varied but a few conspicuous symptoms have been found to be common in many individuals suffering from diabetes. Since diabetes leads to high blood sugar level, the patient loses glucose in the urine. Increased urine output is one of the most common diabetic symptoms. Sometimes, if unnoticed, an increased urine output may result in dehydration of the individual. Since the body cannot utilize the energy of the glucose in the body, the patient loses weight and starts looking haggard. However, despite the loss in weight, the patient usually experiences an increase in the appetite level and likes to have big meals. Some diabetic patients also complain of the diabetic symptom of nausea and tiredness.

Diabetic symptoms may also be manifested in skin disorders and even vaginal infections. It may also adversely affect the eyesight of an individual causing blurred vision. In extreme cases, where the glucose level rises to an abnormally high level, the patient may be struck with coma, also known as diabetic coma.

People who have a history of diabetes related problems in their family or are suffering from obesity should get themselves checked regularly from a doctor to detect any diabetic symptoms. If the diabetic symptoms are ignored and the disease is not controlled effectively through medication and injections, diabetes can be potentially life threatening.