Diabetes & their Symptons

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Diabetes mellitus, the most common disorder of the endocrine system,

affects nearly 16 million people in the U.S. alone. The disease is

brought on by disorders in blood levels of insulin, a pancreatic

hormone that helps your system convert blood glucose, or blood sugar,

into energy.

 

Type 1 diabetes -- the most common form of diabetes in people under

age 20 -- results from a shortage of insulin. Type 2 diabetes results

from the body's inability to process the hormone effectively. About

90% of all people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. In the past,

type 1 was known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or

juvenile-onset diabetes, and type 2 used to be called noninsulin-

dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset or stable

diabetes.

 

Regardless of what type of diabetes you have, you need to work

closely with your doctor to manage your diet, medication and activity

on a day-to-day basis. Your ability to oversee your own care will

make a huge difference in whether you can control the condition and

avoid its potentially serious effects.

 

The many short- and long-term complications of diabetes can demand as

much attention as the disease itself. Most important, you need to

watch your blood sugar levels every day to prevent an attack of

hypoglycemia, in which available levels of blood sugar are too low to

fulfill your body's energy needs. Hypoglycemia can easily be

remedied, however, once you recognize its symptoms.

 

A lack of insulin can bring on a serious diabetic condition known as

ketoacidosis, in which the blood becomes increasingly acidic from the

accumulation of toxic by-products called ketones that are produced as

the body breaks down fat for energy. Ketoacidosis occurs in people

who have type 1 diabetes if they do not receive adequate

supplementary insulin and their bodies are starved for energy

sources. Ketoacidosis can also occur in people who have diabetes if

glucose and insulin levels are not properly balanced, or if the body

comes under sudden physical stress, perhaps from an accident or

illness. (Any sort of illness increases the body's need for insulin

to process blood glucose into the energy required to fight illness or

infection.)

 

If you have type 1 diabetes, be especially alert for the warning

signs of ketoacidosis: nausea, excessive thirst, frequent urination,

extreme weakness, abdominal pain, rapid deep breathing, loss of

appetite, reddened and warm skin, headache, drowsiness, fruity-

smelling breath, restlessness, and ketones in your urine. Failure to

respond immediately with injections of insulin and intravenous salt

solutions (to replenish lost body fluids) can result in coma or

death.

 

Long-term complications of diabetes can damage the eyes, nervous

system, kidneys, and cardiovascular and circulatory systems, as well

as hinder the body's overall resistance to infections. Cuts and sores

heal more slowly for people with diabetes, and they are also prone to

gum problems, urinary tract infections, and mouth infections such as

thrush, caused by an overgrowth of yeast organisms.

 

Complications from diabetes are the primary cause of adult blindness

in the U.S. Within 10 years after their condition is diagnosed, about

half of all people with type 1 diabetes develop an eye disorder

called diabetic retinopathy, which can weaken the capillaries that

supply blood to the retina, and eventually affect vision. Almost all

of those who have had the disease for at least 30 years experience

some degree of diabetic retinopathy. Other common problems in people

with diabetes include blurred vision, cataracts, and glaucoma.

 

People with diabetes stand a higher than normal chance of developing

heart disease and circulatory problems such as high blood pressure,

hardening of the arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. Poor

circulation also increases the risk of developing skin ulcers,

cramps, and gangrene (a tissue-destroying infection). Damage to the

blood vessels in the kidneys from diabetes may lead to kidney

failure.

 

A number of people with diabetes suffer from a condition known as

diabetic neuropathy, which causes a gradual deterioration of the

nervous system. The condition appears to begin early in both types of

diabetes mellitus and affects motor nerves as well as sensory nerves.

As a result, people with diabetes commonly experience a variety of

aches and pains. Some develop slowed reflexes, loss of sensation,

numbness and tingling in the legs, impotence, and circulatory

problems.

 

Medication Dangers for Diabetics

 

 

 

Symptoms

 

Excessive thirst and appetite

Increased urination (sometimes as often as every hour)

Unusual weight loss or gain

Fatigue

Nausea, perhaps vomiting

Blurred vision

In women, frequent vaginal infections

In men and women, yeast infections

Dry mouth

Slow-healing sores or cuts

Itching skin, especially in the groin or vaginal area

October, 2000

Medical Reviewers: the Cleveland Clinic

 

Diabetes Center | Introduction & Symptoms | Causes & Treatments

2001 WebMD

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