Signs of diabetes
Signs of diabetes are the warnings that you observe and are determined by the physician during a physical examination. When you approach a doctor for the detection of diabetes then the doctor would check the signs of diabetes. Let us see these signs in detail.
There are basically four types of diabetes:
Most of the signs of Type I and Type II diabetes are similar. In both the types there is an increase in the blood glucose level. In type I this increase is because of lack of insulin production and in Type II it is because the body cells cannot utilize the insulin that is produced.
In type I diabetes: The pancreas is unable to produce insulin and hence the glucose does not enter the cells and muscles of the body. This results in increased build up of glucose in the blood and also production of ketones.
The kidneys try and remove this excess glucose from the body and hence there is increased production of urine and this results in the person becoming thirstier. When the cells of the body cannot use the glucose then it is broken into fats as alternative source of energy by the body. The by products as a result of this fat breakdown are called as ketones. If the level of ketone increases in the body then this can result in a serious medical condition, which needs immediate medical attention.
In type Ii diabetes: The insulin is produced in the pancreas but is less effective than it is normally. This is called as insulin resistance and becomes worse in people who accumulate fat. As, the action of insulin decreases the glucose remains in the blood and results in increased levels. Years after the diabetes is present the pancreas gets exhausted and stops the production of insulin.
Let us see some of the most common signs of diabetes.
Frequent urination: If you are visiting the bathroom very frequently and it seems that you are all day in the bathroom then this is the first warning sign. When there is an increase in the glucose in the blood then the frequency of urination increases. In the absence of insulin the kidney is unable to filter the glucose back into the blood and hence the kidney tends to draw more water from the body to dilute the glucose. This results in frequent urination.
Thirst: If you have a feeling of thirst all the time even though you are drinking water more than usual then it could be a sign of diabetes. When you urinate frequently you tend to get dehydrated and hence drink more water.
Loss of weight without efforts: This is a more noticeable sign in Type I diabetes. In type I diabetes the pancreas stops the production of insulin. In such cases glucose cannot be, utilized by the body for energy and hence the body looks for alternate source of energy and in this attempt uses fat stored in the body and also starts breaking down the muscle tissues. This results in loss of weight.
Weakness and Fatigue: When glucose cannot be utilized for energy because of lack of insulin. The cells are unable to use the glucose and hence you feel tired and weak.
Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands, Legs or Feet: This is a sign of diabetic neuropathy. Too much glucose in the blood stream can have an effect on the nerves and leave them insensitive especially in the extremities. In case of type II diabetes it is a gradual onset and most of the times people are unable to notice it. The blood sugar might have been high for many years before diabetes can be diagnosed and hence damage to the nerves can occur without knowledge. This can however, be controlled when the amount of glucose in the body is controlled strictly.
Diabetes can also result in blurred vision, dry or itchy skin, frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal are also signs that something is amiss. These signs also occur as a result of high glucose level in the blood. All these signs appear late and only when the glucose level is more than 15mmol/l or higher than that.
There is no definite cure for diabetes. However, with a treatment plan comprising of exercise, diet control and medication diabetes can be brought under control. People with diabetes are especially advised to take care of their foot because of the fact that if diabetes results in neuropathy then wounds cannot be felt for days unless a sever infection develops.
The doctor would advise you to do some exercise and would give you a diet plan. You are required to follow this diet plan and take the medication on time. Diabetes is a life-long syndrome that can only be controlled by your efforts. If you observe any of the signs that are mentioned above then you should immediately report to your health care provider so that proper diagnosis cam be carried out and treatment can be started as soon as possible before any complications develop. You should not start your own diet restrictions or exercise schedule without consulting a doctor.
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